RE: [gnome-db] MySQL client API is GPL, not LGPL

[Murray Cumming Comneon com]

> El jue, 11-12-2003 a las 13:52, Murray Cumming Comneon com escribió:
> > I recently discovered that MySQL changed the license for 
> their client 
> > libs to GPL, although it was previously LGPL. But libgda is LGPL. I 
> > don't think that is possible, if libgda links to the MySQL libs.
> 
> In http://www.mysql.com/downloads/index.html they state that 
> you need to buy a license in these cases:
>      1. If you distribute MySQL Software with your non open source
>         software,
>      2. If you want warranty from MySQL AB for the MySQL software,
>      3. If you want to support MySQL development.
> 
> For 1, our software is open source...

MySQL are a bit inept. I think they mean "GPL", not "Open source". They have
clearly stated that the MySQL client libs are GPL/

http://lists.mysql.com/plusplus/2573
http://lists.mysql.com/mysql/155481

> May be we should just make the mysql provider GPL if it's 
> linked against mysql 4 and up and warn the users that if they 
> use that provider, their program is subject to the 
> restrictions by MySQL AB.
> 
> Rodrigo, may be you should write an email to them explaining 
> the situation and asking for advice.

MySQL clearly want to stop any non-GPL software from using MySQL without
paying. They will not allow us to change that for them.

> What have the people working on php4-mysql module done?

I think they are trying to get some special exemption, but it seems to have
stopped RedHat from shipping the MYSQL client libs and php4-mysql.

Murray Cumming
www.murrayc.com
murrayc usa net