Re: GNAT GPL 2005 Edition is now available

[Jeffrey Carter <spam@spam.com>]

Ludovic Brenta wrote:
> 
> I've downloaded GNAT GPL 2005 Edition and will review it as time
> permits.  If I execute on my previously published Debian Policy for
> Ada, this GPL Edition will become the next "gnat" package in Debian
> Etch.  The fact that the run-time library uses the GPL is not a
> problem for me, nor is it for Debian (for example, Debian already
> supplies Qt which is also GPL).  However, if sufficiently many people
> object to this, I will reconsider.

Is it Debian's policy to provide tools that prevent the creation of 
non-GPL SW? Even libre SW covered by another license, such as the BSD 
license?

> Please take into account that recent versions of ASIS and GLADE are
> only available under GPL, not GMGPL.  The same is true for AWS,
> GtkAda, XML/Ada etc. but is less of a concern because these libraries
> are not tightly coupled with the compiler.
> 
> Please cast a vote on this forum.  This is the time to influence the
> next version of Debian.

I have no problem with programs being released under the GPL. I have 
more difficulty with the output of those programs having to be covered 
by the GPL. How many users of GNU-Emacs would be happy if every output 
from it were covered by the GPL?

What AdaCore has done is force a fork in the GNAT sources. The GCC/FSF 
version currently allows the creation of non-GPL programs. If they 
change that for one language, they will certainly have to change it for 
all. Luckily, people can and do have their own copies of the sources 
with the exceptions, so there should always be versions that allow the 
creation of non-GPL programs.

My vote is for a version, including GLADE, that allows the creation of 
non-GPL programs. Libraries such as AWS, GtkAda, and so on, should also 
have an exception if possible.

-- 
Jeffrey Carter
"Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time."
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
E-mail: jeffrey_r_carter-nr [commercial-at]
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