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Re: Add GPL compatibility check for plugins


Hi -

On Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 07:19:42AM -0700, Ian Lance Taylor wrote:
> [...]
> > And this is an uncontroversial interpretation, if for example applied
> > to other GNU programs?  Wacky stuff like changing bash to prohibit
> > loading non-GPL shell scripts?  "but you can patch it..."??
> 
> I think that case is different in relevant ways.  We already require
> that if you distribute a gcc plugin you must distribute it under a
> GPL-compatible license.  [...]

For what it's worth, we may not be in a position to "require" anyone
to license gcc *plugins*.  We can only impose licensing constraints
upon "derived works" based on GCC.  While others may disagree, it is
not obvious to me that it is impossible to write a non-"derived"
plugin.  (No, it's not as simple as "if you use a gcc header, you're
tagged".)


> > Well, if it's OK with y'all, fine with me too.  But it seems weird.
> 
> It's not really OK with me.  I think it's stupid, pointless, and
> counter-productive.  But I also don't think it's worth going to the
> barricades for.

Agreed.


- FChE


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