Re: What is the best license to use for open source software?

[Jeffrey Carter <spam.jrcarter.not@spam.not.acm.org>]

On 01/04/2015 12:43 PM, Hubert wrote:
> Hi,
> I am working on a tool program that I want to make available as open source.
> Since I am using Gnat GPL, I am not sure if I have to make my source GPL too or
> can I change the license? I don't really want to impose any restrictions on the
> user, so I dont want to force anybody to make their code open source because
> they use my code, but since it's based on Gnat, I don't know if that's possible.

It depends on what you're releasing.

If you only release the source code, then you can give it any license you like.
It doesn't matter what compiler you use to compile it for your personal use.

If you release a binary compiled with GNAT GPL, then the binary and so the
source must be released under the GPL.

I don't know of any compiler other that GNAT GPL that imposes the GPL on
programs compiled with it, so if you release a binary compiled with another
compiler you should be able to use any license you like.

> What do others here do with their open source code? Is there a template license
> that I can just copy into my source files?

I release open-source programs under the GPL. I release source-only libraries
under the GMGPL.

-- 
Jeff Carter
"Clear? Why, a 4-yr-old child could understand this
report. Run out and find me a 4-yr-old child. I can't
make head or tail out of it."
Duck Soup
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