Re: GNAT GPL 2005: Too clever by half?

[Georg Bauhaus <bauhaus@futureapps.de>]

Marin David Condic wrote:

> An average 
> developer might not give it two seconds of thought and just assume that 
> the compiler used to generate machine code from his code doesn't impose 
> some sort of ownership rights or restrictions on his code. ACT can 
> impose any restrictions they like, but I think that makes their compiler 
> significantly less useful - and they should make it CLEAR to everyone 
> running the compiler that by using it, they just got infected.

The most widespread free C++ compilers by Microsoft and Borland
do impose restrictions on what you are allowed to do with
the compiled code, and what you have to do.

In the case of GPL, and only GPL, you speak about licensing as
if it were a desease, when in fact every license just regulates.

For contrast, consider this extract from 
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT SOFTWARE
MICROSOFT VISUAL C++ TOOLKIT 2003

"...
 (ii) that the Redistributables only operate in conjunction with
Microsoft Windows platforms;"

Technically, I could say this is no less viral, in particular since
.NET assemblies are supposed to be runnable not just on MS Windows.


"1.1 General License Grant. Microsoft grants to you as an individual,
a personal, nonexclusive license to make and use copies of the Software
(i) for your internal use; (ii) for designing, developing,
testing and demonstrating your software product(s); and
(iii) for evaluation of the Software."

It is not clear to me how I can conclude form this that I am free
to use Microsofts free compilers in production use.
And who would expect that I am free to use Microsoft products for
free, and without restrictions?
 (After all, someone must have payed them some money, given their
wealth.)

If you can't use the GPL, as you mention, there are other supported
Ada compilers, and FSF GNAT.  For trying out compilers, what is
wrong with choosing FSF GNAT or taking an evaluation offer?


> Perhaps there's a good capitalist business opportunity here?

Always has been.