Markus Kappeler <markus.kappeler@xxxxxxxxxxxx> was heard to say:
> Hi,
>
> Question regarding the license style:
> libdbi is under LGPL. But libdbi-driver-0.8.1 is under GPL.
>
> Technically the application uses libdbi as shared object. But libdbi
> loads dynamicly libdbi-driver, which is under GPL. So is now everything
> under GPL? Regarding
> http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#IfLibraryIsGPL) it is.
>
This, and the following FAQ entries make me believe that we're looking at a real
bordercase. I think the following question best matches your situation:
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#NFUseGPLPlugins
The libdbi drivers do not share data structures with the main program, and they
don't call functions of the main program. Both seem to be typical for programs
and plugins which are treated as a single program w/ regard to the licensing.
Besides, it is not your program code which talks to the drivers, but only code
contained in the LGPL libdbi library. This would be a nice playground for
lawyers.
> Why does the two (libdbi and libdbi-driver) have different license
> styles? Do I have to distribute the sources of my application when I use
> libdbi-driver?
> Are there any exceptions in libdbi-driver license (GPL with exceptions)?
The reason is historic. There is no other reason that I'm aware of. The
libdbi-drivers license is straight GPL without exceptions. I'd have to consult
a lawyer to find out whether this could reasonably be changed.
A side note: You don't have to use libdbi-drivers if you want to ship a non-GPL
application which contains all necessary parts including libdbi. You can
provide proprietary drivers to work around the GPL issue.
regards,
Markus
--
Markus Hoenicka
markus.hoenicka@xxxxxxx
(Spam-protected email: replace the quadrupeds with "mhoenicka")
http://www.mhoenicka.de
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