Re: pdf library for gnuplot

[Daniel J S. <dan...@ie...>]

Hans-Bernhard Broeker wrote:

>On Wed, 21 Apr 2004, Petr Mikulik wrote:
>
>  
>
>>>GPL would be out, I think --- gnuplot's license is incompatible enough
>>>with the GPL that we can't distribute binaries linked to GPL code.  LGPL
>>>should work, though.
>>>      
>>>
>>What about GNU readline? Gnuplot cannot distribute binaries with that
>>library? 
>>    
>>
>
>As I (and some rather more important other people) read the GPL: I don't
>think so.  Not unless we can present legally solid analysis that proves
>our license compatible with the GPL.  I don't think it is, because of
>this clause in our license:
>
> * Permission to modify the software is granted, but not the right to
> * distribute the complete modified source code.  Modifications are to
> * be distributed as patches to the released version.
>

You are identifying, then, the difference between the Gnuplot license 
and an existing license.  This is one of the items that the Open Source 
Initiative is asking for  so that they can discuss things.

However, are you thinking that this particular sentence is a significant 
enough variation that it would cause the OSI to not allow it?  I guess 
in principle this is saying that someone can't create their own 
"developer" version of the software, that is bifurcate so there are two 
versions floating about.  The Gnuplot notice does go on to very 
explicitly discuss that it is allowable to distribute modified programs 
in the form of binaries and how that can be done.

 I think that the easiest route might be for someone to assemble the 
presentation the OSI wants and attempt to get the Gnuplot license 
verified.  It is at least worth a try I would think.

Dan