Date:	Mon, 21 Jul 1997 17:43:29 -0400 (EDT)
Message-Id:	<199707212143.RAA04779@delorie.com>
From:	DJ Delorie <dj AT delorie DOT com>
To:	pweeks AT execulink DOT com
CC:	djgpp AT delorie DOT com
In-reply-to:	<33D37A24.629A5A9C@execulink.com> (message from Jeff Weeks on
	Mon, 21 Jul 1997 11:03:00 -0400)
Subject:	Re: legality: c++ programs in DJGPP

> I'm a little fuzzy on the whole DJGPP/C++/Legality issue here.  I read
> the faq, and it says that I can use libiostream.a and my program can
> still be a commercial program, correct?  I cannot, however, create
> commercial programs use libgpp.a, correct?

libg++ includes more than just the standard C++ classes.  It also
includes a large number of gnu-specific classes.  Those gnu-specific
classes are LGPL.  To comply with the C++ language specs better, the
FSF decided that those parts of libg++ that were required for ANSI C++
compatibility would be best to be "more free" (i.e. suitable for
unrestricted use).  Those "more free" functions are also available in
the libiostream and libstdc libraries, neither of which include the
LGPL portions of libg++.  Thus, to ensure that your program does not
fall under the LGPL, it's best to avoid libgpp.a and use only
libstdc.a or libiostream.a.

> What about my own classes?  Am I allowed to write my own classes in a
> commercial program?

Of course you are.

> Here's the deal:  I like to write in C++.  I've written quite a few
> classes (graphics, 3d, etc) and I also use cout and cin and fstream (all
> in libiostream.a, right?).  If I write a program using all of the above
> classes, can it be commercial?

Yes.

- Raw text -