If I include opencvdotnet http://code.google.com/p/opencvdotnet/ in my project, does that mean that my project has to be open source too? I want it to be closed source.
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35answers:
2
A:
Yes it does. This is the intent of the GPL licence - to ensure that people cannot make closed source software including code licensed with GPL.
Some explanation here.
...the GPL is really much more about ensuring that you, the author, do not lose your ownership of your code in the process of providing it to others for free.
sje397
2010-08-08 15:32:32
+1
A:
Yes, with two important exceptions:
- If you use a library as a library (not using the source itself) and it is LGPL, then you do not have to GPL.
- You are only restricted from releasing the project as closed-source. You can use GPL code in a project that is only used by yourself or the client it is developed for, without having to GPL. It's only software that is distributed that must be GPL'd.
Jon Hanna
2010-08-08 15:47:16
(1) The 'library' mentioned is not LGPL, it is GPL. (2) Providing the code to your client is distribution, and if they ask for the source code you are obligated to give it to them, as well as to provide a copy of the GPL with your software so that they are aware of their rights.
sje397
2010-08-08 23:55:48
Also on (1), the exception only applies if you link to the library *dynamically*.
sje397
2010-08-09 02:38:51