Re: [MinGW-dvlpr] libstdc++-v3 license.

[Paul G. <pga...@at...>]

[snip]

> 
> > // As a special exception, you may use this file as part of a free
> > software // library without restriction.  Specifically, if other
> > files instantiate // templates or use macros or inline functions
> > from this file, or you compile // this file and link it with other
> > files to produce an executable, this // file does not by itself
> > cause the resulting executable to be covered by // the GNU General
> > Public License.  This exception does not however // invalidate any
> > other reasons why the executable file might be covered by // the GNU
> > General Public License. </quote>
> >
> > Note that the exception is only for a ``free software library''.
> 
> My interpretation is that "free software library" refers to libstdc++
> itself.
> 
> > This means that I cannot use it for my proprietary software.
> 
> Yes, you can. The statement that starts with "Specifically" says your
> sources are not infected with the GPL if you use libstdc++.
> 
> This should clear your doubts:
> 
> http://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/libstdc++/17_intro/license.html
> 
> specially:
> 
> Q: So any program which uses libstdc++ falls under the GPL? 
> A: No. The special exception permits use of the library in proprietary
> applications. 

	See also the definition of "copyleft":  http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/copyleft.html#WhatIsCopyleft

	"Copyleft" also covers "proprietary software" -- specifically: 

	http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/categories.html#ProprietarySoftware

	Finally, here is the link that pretty much covers
 most, if not all of the variations:  http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/categories.html


	Paul G.