I would like to discuss the MYSQL licensing policy.
Please do not take anything personally. I do think
that MySQL is one of best database management
systems out there.
Pertaining to the FAQ on the mysql.com site:
------- begin snip --------------------------------
Q: Does MySQL AB develop non-open source products?
A: No. All the software we develop is open source / free software. The core
MySQL[tm] server is under GPL.
------- end snip ----------------------------------
I would like to know some more details here. In particular:
1. What was the name of the first GPL file release of MySQL?
2. Which portions are not distributed by mysql.com as part of MySQL?
3. Which portions of the Windows MySQL release
are not released under the GPL if any? For instance is the
windows installer program (is there one?) released under the GPL?
4. Are the Linux versions shipped with Red Hat 7 and 7.1 entirely
distributed under the GPL?
5. Do PHP web applications that use PHP and MySQL require a MySQL license?
Such applications are not derivative works as they are merely interfaces.
Thus they do not require a license. Correct?
References: 1. <http://www.mysql.com/news/article-36.html> (announces GLP release of
source code)
2. <http://www.mysql.com/news/article-75.html> (some FAQs including the
above)
A: Forks are perfectly legal derivatives of GPL'd code as long as the GPL
terms are followed. But please note that forking does not give the forker
any rights to use the trademarks of others.
The most ambiguous aspect of the GPL is that it does not seem to clearly
specify what and what not comprises a derivative work. Does a web application
which uses MySQL comprise a derivative work. I don't think so.
Do such web applications have to be placed under the GPL.
I don't see anything in the GPL that states this.
Thanks for the clarification,
Neil
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