Re: GNAT GPL Edition Maintenance and Upgrades

[Jean-Pierre Rosen <rosen@adalog.fr>]

Ludovic Brenta a �crit :
> Jean-Pierre Rosen a �crit :
>>I think that this argument goes *against* the spirit of free software.
>>As far as I can understand, the basis of free software is "you can do
>>anything with this software, *except* deny to others the rights you have
>>received". Anything, including proprietary software.
> 
> 
> Precisely.  With the GMGPL, you receive the right to see and modify the
> source code of the GNAT run-time; but you can also deny others this
> same right.  The GPL is more "free" than the GMGPL, since with it you
> cannot deny others this right anymore.  

Not exactly. With the GMGPL, you certainly cannot prevent anyone from 
seeing the source code  of the GNAT run-time; you are just not required 
to provide it.

In the case of a compiler, it really does not make sense to restrict 
what the compiler can be used for. Do you imagine distributing GIMP with 
a notice saying that if you distribute any image produced with it, it 
must be exempt of rights? This would certainly be perceived as a 
restriction on freedom!
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            J-P. Rosen (rosen@adalog.fr)
Visit Adalog's web site at http://www.adalog.fr