There are a couple of files I want to use from Doctrine, which is licensed under LGPL, in an open-source project of mine. If I do this, do I have to include the entire Doctrine library in my package, or would I be ok just including those few files?
views:
38answers:
2
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Q:
If I want to use a specific file from an LGPL'd library, do I need to include the whole package?
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A:
The license says that
If you link other code [your program] with the library, you must provide complete object files [of said library] to the recipients [your customers]
But I get a headache every time I read that license. Check with a legal expert if you're not sure.
Robert Harvey
2010-02-04 03:54:08
Yeah I read that part. It says "complete object files", which is what was blurry to me. Does that mean the complete file (ie, I can't just rip 1 function out), or the whole package? Ugh.
ryeguy
2010-02-04 03:58:07
In general, GPL and LGPL require that you keep everything together. That's what binds it into the "copyleft" license; it insures package integrity for the next person that comes along that wants to link to, or compile the source code from, the library.
Robert Harvey
2010-02-04 03:59:36
If you wish, you can make a modified version of the library, and release its source code to the public under the LGPL. Because it is LGPL, you can still keep your own code closed source if you wish. See http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#ModifiedJustBinary
Robert Harvey
2010-02-04 04:04:33
+1
A:
If your application is GPL or LGPL, then you can simply bundle parts of Doctorine into your application without violating that license. Otherwise, you will either need to link against the full Doctorine LGPL library, or put the pieces of Doctorine you want to use into your own library which you then release under an LGPL license and then link your application against that.
bdk
2010-02-06 04:49:24