[Ghoser777]

I have an app that I'll be releasing fairly soon that uses a GPL'd piece of software. I provide the binary inside the apps bundle. My question is: what do I need to do as to not violate the GPL? Do I need to provide the GPL license? Do I do some special dance and sacrifice a roomate?

Thanks,
Matt

[phidauex]

Check out the whole of the GPL license here: http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html Its legalese, but its not too bad. Its a pretty clearly written document.

Basically, anything based on GPL source must also be GPL. To be GPL, you have to provide it at no charge, and you must make source code available at no charge to people who request it. You can make them actually contact you to get it, or you can do what most people do and just post a tarball of the source on your website. You can still charge for support or warranty service on the software. You must provide a copy of the GPL license with the software, and a way to inform users of their rights under the GPL, like have it appear during installation or something.

Those are the basics, I believe. Other people might have some more clarification for you.

Peace,
sam

[smeger]

Actually, if you're not linking with the code, I think you just have to provide the license along with your software. I'm not positive, tho, so definitely read the license.

phidauex is absolutely correct - it's extremely readable legalese.

I ran into this issue when I was considering using some code from GNUStep ( wanted to subclass their version of NSBrowser, but I wound up writing my own from-scratch version). I posted the question to their mailing list and got a few helpful replies.

Why don't you try asking the author or support group of the software you're including?