JDBC Licensing - Packaging jdbc in jar

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+2 Q:

JDBC Licensing - Packaging jdbc in jar

Hi there.

I'm packaging my open-source non-commercial java application in a .jar and I'd like to package the JDBC mysql-connector with it as it is a dependency.

The issue that I am having is that I'm uncertain whether or not this is frowned upon or even illegal due to the JDBC license. I've also got the jdbc mysql-connector jar in my code repository.

Has anyone been in the same situation? Thanks in advance.

+2 A:

This email looks a little old but according to http://forums.mysql.com/read.php?39,36799,36827, mysql-connector-j is licensed under GPL.

matt b 2010-03-27 16:09:32

I'm having a hard time understanding these 20 page long license texts. If the connector is under GPL, does this mean I am not allowed to package the connector inside of my jar?

John 2010-03-27 16:12:08

@John yes, but you must follow the terms of the GPL. This is a pretty good exploration of what that means: http://articles.sitepoint.com/article/public-license-explained

Sean Owen 2010-03-27 16:13:26

Thanks Matt. Now that's an explanation I can wrap my head around :-)

John 2010-03-27 16:35:09

+1 A:

Expanding on @matt b's answer and your comment above: given that MySQL Connector/J may be redistributed under the terms of the GPL and you haven't yet chosen a license, one simple expedient would be to license your own code the same way.

^{Fine print: I am not a lawyer.}

trashgod 2010-03-27 18:33:20

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JDBC Licensing - Packaging jdbc in jar

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