[GRASS-dev] gmath and gpde update

[Glynn Clements]

Moritz Lennert wrote:

> However, is
> 
> ** Everyone is granted permission to copy, modify and redistribute this
> ** Meschach Library, provided:
> [...]
> **  3.  No charge is made for this software or works derived from it.
> **      This clause shall not be construed as constraining other software
> **      distributed on the same medium as this software, nor is a
> **      distribution fee considered a charge.
> 
> GPL-compatible ?

Ah; I don't think so.

The GPL allows you to charge for derivative works (although being
unable to prohibit free redistribution tends to limit this).

Anyone distributing GRASS binaries is required to provide (or offer to
provide) the source code for "the work as a whole" (which would
include meschach) under the terms of the GPL.

This would then allow the recipient to extract any part (e.g. 
meschach) and (try to) sell it. While that seems like a rather
unlikely scenario, the GPL requires that you permit this, and if you
cannot permit it, you cannot satisfy the GPL.

And the meschach library appears not to permit it.

-- 
Glynn Clements <glynn at gclements.plus.com>