SynEdit GPL/MPL & avoiding mess
lazarus / 13-General

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databaser · 2009-02-04 18:24

Hello! I recently started programming a simple cross platform editor
and I'm looking forward to use SynEdit in Lazarus to do this.
I'm really confused about the licensing here, I don't want to release
any of my code. Is the SynEdit component GPL/MPL? How does that affect
my code if I just use the SynEdit that comes with Lazarus without
modifications to it?
Can I only link to the SynEdit in Mac OS and Linux?

Thank you in advance!

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Martin_fr · 2009-02-04 20:34

I am no lawyer, but from the top of SynEdit.pp:
...
Alternatively, the contents of this file may be used under the terms
of the
GNU General Public License Version 2 or later (the "GPL"), in which
case
the provisions of the GPL are applicable instead of those above.
...


Afaik SynEdit can be either used under
- GPL 2 or higher
- MPL


If the license is missing on any file, best to report on mantis.

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databaser · 2009-02-04 21:33

QuoteCan I make commercial applications with Lazarus ?
Yes, the LCL is licensed under the LGPL with an exception, which
allows you to link to it statically without releasing the source of
your application. Modifications and enhancements to the LCL must be
distributed with source. Lazarus, the IDE, is licensed under the GPL.
How is it possible that the LCL is LGPL if it includes code released
under GPL/MPL?

If I compile an application that uses the built in SynEdit, aren't I
including it as a component of my application, when I need to release
my own code with the same source code? Or could my work be released as
"1.7. "Larger Work" means a work which combines Covered Code or
portions thereof with code not governed by the terms of this License.
", or can I just link to the component?

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Martin_fr · 2009-02-05 10:24

The best is to look at the directory structure, or the packages.

SynEdit is not part of the LCL. It is an extra package installed in
Lazarus.

The original Synedit doe snot even require the LCL, the modified one
coming with Lazarus does require the LCL