j.random.programmer wrote:
> Hi:
>
> Firstly, I'd like to congratulate both MySQL AB and
> Mr. Mathews on making the JDBC driver an officialy
> supported download.
>
> I have a query though. Newer versions of the mm.mysql
> driver (now called connector/j) will be released *not*
> under the LGPL but under the GPL.
>
> Now if I am using the mysql database as a web site
> back end, the web site is totally independent of the
> database and cannot be considered a "derived work"
> of the mysql database. (keep in mind, the notion of
> "derived work" is *very* hazy under the GPL).
The GPL only comes into effect when you distribute your software, not
what your software creates as an end product.
> But if the JDBC driver itself is GPL'ed and I am
> using the driver in my web site's jsp/servlet code,
> then it's concievable that the entire web site's
> contents
> and code become GPL'ed too. Of course, I wouldn't want
> to GPL by web site/code just because I am using a
> driver (keep in mind, using, *not* extending or
> customizing).
No, the GPL only comes into effect during distribution. For example,
output of GCC (compiled software) is not GPL, however if your software
were to include code from GCC, it would need to be under the GPL.
Therefore output from the JDBC driver is not GPL'd. However, if you
distribute the code that comprises the stuff that generates your output,
and that code uses something licenseed under the GPL (like MySQL
Connector/J), then you need to release the code under the GPL, or
contact MySQL for a commercial license (due to the dual licensing scheme
we make available).
> Well, the question is, does in fact the use of the
> JDBC driver GPL my java server pages ? That is, does
> the entire web site become a "derived work" ?
No.
> Any offical response from either Mr. Mathews of
> MySQL AB would be appreciated...
From the standpoint of a lawyer blessing this, it is not an "official"
response.
If you have any further GPL licensing questions and how MySQL AB
interprets the application of the GPL with repesct to products we offer,
please contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-Mark
--
For technical support contracts, visit https://order.mysql.com/?ref=mmma
__ ___ ___ ____ __
/ |/ /_ __/ __/ __ \/ / Mark Matthews <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
/ /|_/ / // /\ \/ /_/ / /__ MySQL AB, Full-Time Developer - JDBC/Java
/_/ /_/\_, /___/\___\_\___/ Flossmoor (Chicago), IL USA
<___/ www.mysql.com
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