FROM GNU:
By contrast, pipes, sockets and command-line arguments are communication
mechanisms normally used between two separate programs. So when they are
used for communication, the modules normally are separate programs. But
if the semantics of the communication are intimate enough, exchanging
complex internal data structures, that too could be a basis to consider
the two parts as combined into a larger program.
The last part of the paragraph "exchanging complex internal data
structures, that too could be a basis to consider the two parts as
combined into a larger program."
What part of this is not viral?
Oh, it's viral.
But if you can demonstrate that the pipe/socket/command-line communication
is generic and allows, or would allow, your program to work with other,
non-GPL programs using the same protocol, you're fine.
Shipping a commercial POP3 / SMTP server along with a GPL email client for
your customers to use (or vice versa) would fit because POP3 and SMTP are
generic protocols implemented by a wide range of software.
It has been made clear on this list though that MySQL considers their
protocol unique enough to protect. Still, one could proxy MySQL and have the
GPL proxy simply "recode" the data to a generic, abstract format. It should
break the GPL link. Of course, I would consider moving to another DB less
hassle.
Daniel L. Taylor
Taylor Design
Computer Consulting & Software Development
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.taylor-design.com
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