Re: GSL within Public Domain Software

[Peter Hopfgartner <hopfgartner at rolmail dot net>]

Basically, linking with a GPL library, means that you should put your
program under a similar license as the GPL, too. You must allow access
to the source.

In your case this would be a quite natural choice, since you want to
distribute both, source code and binaries. The GPL would protect also
YOUR work. No other party would be allowed to distribute MODIFIED
versions of your code without giving a link to the source code of the
MODIFIED version.

Sounds good, doesn't it?

Peter

P.S.: I'm really not a license expert. Maybe Brian can give you a more
detailed explanation of the implications of linking to a GPL-library.

Lowell Johnson wrote:
> 
> Hello.
> 
> Our team develops image analysis software for the USGS.  For many years this
> software has made use of mathematical routines that have been extracted from
> various public domain packages as well as some "home-grown" algorithms.  Now we
> are trying to incorporate available open source libraries to a larger extent.
> 
> My past experience led me to first consider LAPACK and FFTPACK.  But we only
> need a small portion of LAPACK's capability, and it doesn't cover many of the
> additional numerical methods we apply.
> 
> Last week I came across the GSL and thought that, even though it is in the
> development stage, it will cover a large portion of our requirements for a
> general purpose numerical library.  In addition the GSL is lightweight compared
> with the likes of LAPACK, so it is not asking so much to expect our external
> users to build it.
> 
> The question is, since our software is from the government (public domain),
> what are the legalities of linking with a GPL'ed library?  We distribute both
> the source code and binaries (for supported platforms).  I understand the GPL
> concerns regarding proprietary software using GPL libraries, but since public
> domain software is source distributed, it seems that the intent of the GPL is
> fairly covered.
> 
> We will have to discuss the situation with government officials as well, but I
> wanted to give you people a chance to respond first.  I have read the GPL/LGPL
> discussions, so I understand those concerns.  But it would be unfortunate if
> we have to abandon incorporation of the GSL due to GPL restrictions.
> 
> Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
> 
> --
> --------------------------------------------------
> Lowell D. Johnson       ldjohn@usgs.gov
> Software Engineering
> Raytheon Systems
> EROS Data Center
> 47914 252nd Street, Mundt Federal Bldg
> Sioux Falls, SD 57198
> --------------------------------------------------