GNU GPL - access to data?

Question

Hi,

I realise that modified versions of the software should be freely available, but what about the content that is held within a mysql database for instance? does that have to be available too?

Cheers

ke

Answer 1

In theory no. Data created by a GPL program don't belong to the source code. So they are not influenced by the 'virality' of GPL.

Answer 2

Ultimately, you should consult a lawyer for these questions.

That said though, the answer to this question is most likely no. Any artifacts created by the software, open source or closed source, is not covered by the software's license.

A few common real world examples should clairify why this is true:

• A GPL compiler like GCC can and is used to compile non-GPL code
• Many GPL CMS systems are used to power commercial web sites, with non-free content
• GPL office suites are used to create non GPL documents

etc.

Basically, it's only if you modify the actual software that you have to release your modifications under the same GPL license

But again, you should consult a legal consult instead of relying on a random developers like me :-)

EDIT: Unless, of course, the data in question was released by the software's author under the GPL license. But I'm assuming you're talking about your own data created by the software in question