[Gnuwin32-users] Re: GPL and the distribution of source code.

[Kees Z. <kz...@us...>]

The source code provided in the *-src.zip files IS the source for the
actual binaries . The diffs show indeed the difference with the original
sources, but this is only provided as a reference (thus the diffs can be
used to create the original sources, not the other way around). In fact,
this is the same policy as used by Cygwin and Djgpp, and these certainly
cannot be accused of not following GPL.
So, there is no need to reconsider the packaging practice.

Kees Zeelenberg

----- Oorspronkelijk bericht -----
Van: "James Michael DuPont" <mdu...@ya...>
Aan: "Kees Zeelenberg" <kz...@us...>;
<gnu...@li...>
Verzonden: donderdag 22 augustus 2002 18:06
Onderwerp: GPL and the distribution of source code.


> This is for your information,
> I have been looking into the legal issues of the distribution of the
> windows dlls and the patches to build them.
>
> Here are some appropriate quotes from
> the GPL FAQ:
>
> http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#SourceAndBinaryOnDifferentSites
> Can I put the binaries on my Internet server and put the source on a
> different Internet site? --- NO you cannot
>
> http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#DistributeExtendedBinary
> I want to distribute binaries, but distributing complete source is
> inconvenient. Is it ok if I give users the diffs from the "standard"
> version along with the binaries?
> --- NO, you need to provide complete sources, not just diffs, with the
> binaries.
>
> I think you might have to review your practices of distribution of
> binaries.
>
> Mike
>
> Here are the full texts as follows :
>
> I want to distribute an extended version of a GPL-covered program in
> binary form. Is it enough to distribute the source for the original
> version? --NO you cannot
>
> http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#DistributingSourceIsInconvenient
>
> This FAQ clearly covers the practices of the DIA win32 distribution.
> It shows how putting
>
> Can I put the binaries on my Internet server and put the source on a
> different Internet site?
> The GPL says you must offer access to copy the source code "from the
> same place"; that is, next to the binaries. However, if you make
> arrangements with another site to keep the necessary source code
> available, and put a link or cross-reference to the source code next to
> the binaries, we think that qualifies as "from the same place".
> Note, however, that it is not enough to find some site that happens to
> have the appropriate source code today, and tell people to look there.
> Tomorrow that site may have deleted that source code, or simply
> replaced it with a newer version of the same program. Then you would no
> longer be complying with the GPL requirements. To make a reasonable
> effort to comply, you need to make a positive arrangement with the
> other site, and thus ensure that the source will be available there for
> as long as you keep the binaries available.
>
>
> I want to distribute an extended version of a GPL-covered program in
> binary form. Is it enough to distribute the source for the original
> version?
> No, you must supply the source code that corresponds to the binary.
> Corresponding source means the source from which users can rebuild the
> same binary.
> Part of the idea of free software is that users should have access to
> the source code for *the programs they use*. Those using your version
> should have access to the source code for your version.
>
> A major goal of the GPL is to build up the Free World by making sure
> that improvement to a free program are themselves free. If you release
> an improved version of a GPL-covered program, you must release the
> improved source code under the GPL.
>
>
> I want to distribute binaries, but distributing complete source is
> inconvenient. Is it ok if I give users the diffs from the "standard"
> version along with the binaries?
> This is a well-meaning request, but this method of providing the source
> doesn't really do the job.
> A user that wants the source a year from now may be unable to get the
> proper version from another site at that time. The standard
> distribution site may have a newer version, but the same diffs probably
> won't work with that version.
>
> So you need to provide complete sources, not just diffs, with the
> binaries.
>
>
>
> =====
> James Michael DuPont
> http://introspector.sourceforge.net/
>
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