Re: Re (2): testing before a release

[Etienne M. Gagnon]

Hi Mark,

Mark Wielaard wrote:

> > kaffe org.apache.someprogram.Main
> >
> > since the Apache license is incompatible with the GPL.  (Note that we don't
> > even have to bring proprietary software or embedded systems into the
> > discussion.)  With respect to a Java virtual machine, the application of
> > the GPL without an exception clause seems to violate my "freedom 0."
>
> You always have that freedom since the GPL explicitly says:
> "The act of running the Program is not restricted, and the output from the
> Program is covered only if its contents constitute a work based on the
> Program".


Your reasoning is wrong here.  You can confirm this with RMS (I did).  When you 
launch:

kaffe org.apache.someprogram.Main

This causes the linking of "org.apache.someprogram.Main" with "java.lang.Object" 
.  "Linking" is a modification of the code, and is thus subject to the terms of 
the GPL.

In other words: think of "kaffe" as if it was "ld".  Then you will understand 
that typing "ld kaffe org.apache.someprogram.Main java.lang.Object" breaks the 
GPL rules.

In conclusion =>
typing the command kaffe org.apache.someprogram.Main
is not allowed :-(

[This does not mean that Transvirtual will necessarily sue you!  But they could 
if they hate you enough...]

Etienne

--
Etienne M. Gagnon                    http://www.info.uqam.ca/~egagnon/
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