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Can you use GPL in closed source?
@eMAD: Yes, both GPLv2 and GPLv3 allow you to distribute the software in an “object code” form (any form that’s not source code) with “a written offer, valid for at least three years” to also share the source with anyone who asks for it.
Does LGPL require source code?
The license allows developers and companies to use and integrate a software component released under the LGPL into their own (even proprietary) software without being required by the terms of a strong copyleft license to release the source code of their own components.
Does GPL code have to be public?
The GPL does not require you to release your modified version, or any part of it. But if you release the modified version to the public in some way, the GPL requires you to make the modified source code available to the program’s users, under the GPL.
Can I use GPL software on my website?
You are free to run a GPL-licensed program without having to accept the license. If the GPL’ed program is client-side JavaScript, then you are distributing the GPL’ed code and possibly derivative code to your visitors. You are only allowed to do this in accordance with the GPL.
Is AGPL compatible with GPL?
We recommend that developers consider using the GNU AGPL for any software which will commonly be run over a network. Please note that the GNU AGPL is not compatible with GPLv2. This is a free software license, compatible with version 3 of the GNU GPL.
Is LGPL compatible with GPL?
Note that the LGPL is compatible with the GPL: you can decide to “upgrade” to GPL and incorporate it in a wholly GPL licensed project if you wish. You can’t however go the other way and re-license GPL licensed code as LGPL.
Can You dynamically call a LGPL / GPL software?
LGPL 2.1 section 6 on combined works says how you can use the library in your closed source program. You can call a LGPL licensed program like you do, and you can even dynamically link to it.
Can you link to a GPL library from a closed source?
In the general case, you are correct in that you can’t link to a GPL library, distribute your code, and then not release your code as GPL. However, there is the System Library Exception which is how folks link against Linux libs and still release their product under non-GPL licenses.
Can a GPL program run on anyone else’s computer?
That code runs on your computer, nobody else’s. Since the GPL code doesn’t execute on anyone else’s machine, they cannot demand to see the source for the running program, even if it was modified.
Can a company make a modified version of the GPL?
(#UnreleasedMods) The GPL permits anyone to make a modified version and use it without ever distributing it to others. What this company is doing is a special case of that. Therefore, the company does not have to release the modified sources.