I am embarking on my next major project, and for the first time plan on using a large number of 3rd party APIs to help myself along. At this point, I am researching different libraries to try to find the best combination for what I want to do. Initially, Raknet seemed like an excellent solution for my networking needs. However, I'd want to use the GPL version. I'd also like to use some Boost libraries, and a major goal is to provide scripting as well, so Python is high on my list of tools too. The problem is that the GPL seems to require that the entirety of any program that uses a GPLed product is GPLed itself... and of course I cannot provide Boost or Python to people under the GPL. Though they are free and open source, they don't seem to be specifically under the GPL. So, even though I am willing to GPL all of my own code, and all of my potential tools are open source, I can't use Raknet because of this stipulation. Am I correct in this analysis? If so... it really sucks. :x

The Python libraries are GPL compatible according to their license page, and I'd assume boost is also. I personally try to stay away from the GPL, as I don't understand it fully and don't want to get bitten for accidental misuse.

Basically with the GPL, you're either a true hippy, or you're not.

Quote: Original post by rileyriley
and of course I cannot provide Boost or Python to people under the GPL.

Have you checked whether it really is the case? Both licenses are listed as compatible with the GPL, meaning that they can be used as part of a GPL-licensed program while remaining under their own (more permissive) license. The program as a whole will be under the GPL.

Staying away from Raknet is also a solution.

Hm, I didn't realize that some less-restrictive licenses could be packaged in under a GPL, though of course it makes sense. This is good news!

Quote: Original post by rileyriley
The problem is that the GPL seems to require that the entirety of any program that uses a GPLed product is GPLed itself... and of course I cannot provide Boost or Python to people under the GPL. Though they are free and open source, they don't seem to be specifically under the GPL.

It's important to note that whilst the GPL requires that a derived work be distributed under the GPL, it doesn't require that it not also be distributed under another free software license.

If software is under a "GPL compatible" license it means that, in the opinion of the Free Software Foundation, it is okay to include that software in something that is, as a whole, distributed under the terms of the GPL.

Python is "GPL compatible", and the boost license is a variant on the MIT license; it is also "GPL compatible".

Caveat emptor: IANAL.