| Subject | RE: [Firebird-Java] Change firebirdsql license to lgpl only?and,lets release next version. |
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| Author | Rodolfo M. Raya |
| Post date | 2002-08-23T15:50:02Z |
On Fri, 2002-08-23 at 12:22, Ken Richard wrote:Is a JAR file considered an executable or a storage/distribution medium? Here is an excerpt from the LGPL:IMO, a JAR file should be considered executable code if it contains .CLASS files inside.-----The paragraph you cited does not let you assume the JAR as a storage medium. That section of the license means the following:
In addition, mere aggregation of another work not based on the Library with the Library (or with a work based on the Library) on a volume of a storage or distribution medium does not bring the other work under the scope of this License.
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After reading a little more, it appears that I would be able to use the firebirdsql.jar in my commercial application if the license was changed to LGPL. Especially because I would consider a JAR to be a storage medium instead of an executable.
"If a CD/Floppy/HD/Flash card/etc. contains several files, being some of them under LGPL does not make the rest automatically LGPL code. "
A "Volume of Storage" is physical media.
I also believe that subclassing portions of the library would not be considered a derivative work because the program that does the subclass is really just “using” the original library. Changing the license is obviously not my decision because I have only contributed a microscopic portion of code but I would not have a problem if it was changed.Subclassing is fine, provided that:
* You keep the original code out of your own JAR.
* The final user can download a newer version of firebirdsql.jar from sourceforge and replace the version you supplied.
LGPL enforces the freedom of USE, not PRICE. If your code relies in something protected by LGPL, your clients must be able to maintain the LGPL code without your intervention.
It doesn't matter if the driver is LGPL. You can still use it in commercial applications, just distribute firebirdsql.jar unmodified.
Cheers,
Rodolfo