GPL linking exception

A GPL Linking Exception ( German about Exemption for left ) changed the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL), so that a new, modified version of the license is created. Thus, the GNU Lesser General Public License is similar to the linking of a program library that is licensed under such conditions, allows a program that may be under a different license. The resulting program can be distributed under a license free choice and one is not bound by the terms of the GPL. Only the program library itself remains under the GPL. Modified versions of the library to be consequently distributed under the GPL.

The Free Software Foundation prescribes no single text for the linking exception. Thus, the original author must himself create the relevant permission notice and should attach it before publishing the license notice. However, you should note that you need the permission of all co-authors ( all participating programmers, etc. ) to add this note later the license. Most are given the opportunity to remove the linking exception in case of modified versions of the library. Thus, the restrictive terms of the GPL for the resulting program shall, after it has been linked with the Library. If the Linking Exception away, it may not be added later again without the permission of all parties involved.

The Classpath Exception

GNU Classpath is the class libraries for Java runtime environments. Without exception Linking an operation would be prohibited with proprietary applications. The GNU Classpath project is distributed with the following Linking Exception:

Linking this library statically or dynamically with other modules is making a combined work based on this library. Malthus, the terms and conditions of the GNU General Public License cover the whole combination. As a special exception, the copyright holders of this library give you permission to link this library with independent modules to produce, to executable, Regardless of the license terms of synthesis independent modules, and to copy and distribute the Resulting executable under terms of your choice Provided you did so meet, for each linked independent module, the terms and conditions of the license of modules did. An independent module is a module Which is not derived from or based on this library. If you modify this library, you june extend this exception to your version of the library, but you are not Obliged to do that. If you do not wish to do so, delete this exception statement from your version.

The dynamic or static linking this library with other modules to create a new work based on this library. Consequently applies the GNU General Public License for the entire combined work. As a special exception, you allow the copyright holders of this library with independent modules to the left, to produce an executable file ( executable) to copy regardless of the license of these independent modules, and the resulting executable under terms of your choice and spread, as long as each independent module under its license ( terms and conditions ) is common. An independent module is a module which is not derived from this library, or it is based. If you modify this library, you may add this exception to your version of the library, but do not need it. If you do not want to do this, remove this exception notice from your version.

Differences to the GNU Lesser General Public License

Basically pursue both license models the same goal. It is to the left are made possible with proprietary software without the resulting program must also be released under the GPL, but the library itself must remain under the respective license ( GPL or LGPL) - so it is a weak copyleft.

One difference is that the LGPL requires that the resulting program accompanied by a report on the use of the library and the source code of the library must be included. In addition, the license of the resulting program may not prohibit the linking of the program with a new version of the library. Consequently, the object code of the program shall be supplied if the LGPL - licensed library is not provided under a shared library mechanism. In addition, the user is decompiling or disassembling ( reverse engineering ) to allow, so that it can debug the new version of the library.

Such conditions are sometimes difficult to implement when using, for example, LGPL Code used in programs for embedded systems, and are not required with the linking exception. Can be removed that certain Linking exceptions, is in no way opposed to LGPL. The LGPL provides namely that programmers code also irrevocably consent to the GPL can be assumed.

Finally, the linking exception does not constitute a separate license, but only a supplement to the GPL. There is also no uniform text and the conditions required and granted additional rights may vary.

• FLOSS License
• GNU