On 10/12/2009 07:49 PM, Kyle Hall wrote:
This is a stretch, but one could say that by releasing a tarball, and not a Git repository, that they are violating the GPL. The GPL states that "source code" for a work means the preferred form of the work for making modifications to it. One could argue that the preferred form for Koha is a Git repository, but since the GPL doesn't define 'preferred form' the potential for a violation remains unclear. Does anyone know of any precedent for such an issue?
All the clarifications, I've seen are that preferred form is the source in a form from which you can build the application. (i.e. providing a version of a unix utility in source that requires a non-unix environment is a no-no) I would think that that excludes enforcing the use of a particular source control system. What that is, is a measure of is willingness to cooperate with the community in development. The GPL does not enforce cooperation but reserves the right for you to cooperate if you wish. And it requires that the source be available for the vendor's customers for these purposes, and the purpose of study. Cheers Colin -- Colin Campbell Software Engineer, PTFS Europe Limited Content Management and Library Solutions +44 (0) 208 366 1295 (phone) +44 (0) 7759 633626 (mobile) colin.campbell@ptfs-europe.com skype: colin_campbell2 http://www.ptfs-europe.com