Re: why is java so widespread when ada is free? makes 0 sense

["G.B." <bauhaus@futureapps.invalid>]

On 24.09.16 09:30, polymorph self wrote:
> Can I use a free ada compiler to create a website that I can own and sell?
> yes or no?

To know whether you own or can sell X, you need to known what X is,
precisely, and also about how you are allowed to use all of X's parts,
precisely. And what "use" means, precisely, and what "free" is
to mean. And whether you care about being sued or not, of course.

Welcome to business decision making. Advice is not usually free,
only the law is, except for the money spent directly or indirectly
on obtaining the text of the law. Or maybe of agreements where there
is no inclusive law, such as in international trade.
Still, lawyers' services are as free as those of business advisors.
Business advisors' services are as free as programmers' services.
Programmers cannot normally work for free. So, even most free software,
in every sense of the word, is somehow funded ("bought", not for free).

There is a scenario that lets you use GPLed software, build a service
by "adding" the software to your own software, and sell something,
such as a certain kind of output produced by the combined software.
If you use GNAT GPL edition to build a web service for adding two
numbers and outputting the result, and if all other software you combine
with yours is GPLed, too, then you can still sell the output of
that numeric addition program as part of the service, without
needing to show the program's sources. However, selling the whole
program as opposed to its service is a different matter.
Anyway, AdaCore reminds you that GNAT GPL edition is not meant
for commercial use.

A slightly different scenario lets you use licensed software,
including GPLicensed software, in an exceptional way, provided
that the exceptions are those stated in the software license.
FSF GNAT carries one such exception added to the GPL, and it
applies to the very FSF GNAT that you can obtain in some way.
This scenario may let you sell a closed source product.

In any case, I assume that the sale of programs or licenses
will heavily involve contract law, too.

But, IANAL.

-- 
"HOTDOGS ARE NOT BOOKMARKS"
Springfield Elementary teaching staff