4 ms·
> GPL libraries are off limits for non-free programs But since GPL and LGPL are compatible licenses, can't the non-free author just fork the GPL to an LGPL ver
by pyeri 3y ago
> GPL libraries are off limits for non-free programs
But since GPL and LGPL are compatible licenses, can't the non-free author just fork the GPL to an LGPL version and then use it? A bit of inconvenience and technicality involved but still a workable workaround.
- Macha 3y agoNo, this would undermine the entire point of the GPL. The compatibility is one way. In an extremely simplified version, LGPL says you can only use the software if you guarantee A and B, while GPL says you can only use the software if you guarantee A, B, and C. Since {A,B} is a subset of {A,B,C}, licensing the LGPL software under something that requires A, B, and C guarantees A and B and so is fine by the LGPL. However, since the LGPL doesn't require you to guarantee C, then licensing software under the LGPL will not maintain all the requirements you must maintain to use GPL software.
- pyeri 3y agoGood point. I think it's a good thing in some way as it will force the downstream (or end user) of that library to also go GPL and not a non-free license. I think more and more software should be produced as FOSS anyway and we should move there using both advocacy and FOSS licensing.