What should I really release as open source when I use Berkeley DB (JE)?

Question

The Berkeley DB (JE) license information says:

"...Redistributions in any form must be accompanied by information on how to obtain complete source code for the DB software and any accompanying software that uses the DB software.... For an executable file, complete source code means the source code for all modules it contains. It does not include source code for modules or files that typically accompany the major components of the operating system on which the executable file runs."

If I build an abstraction level on top of BDB JE, should I open source only that library or any software that uses BDB JE indirectly?

Answer 1

The open source license for Berkeley DB permits you to use the software at no charge under the condition that if you use Berkeley DB in an application you redistribute, the complete source code for your application must be available and freely redistributable under reasonable conditions. If you do not want to release the source code for your application, you may purchase a license from Sleepycat Software. For pricing information, or if you have further questions on licensing, please contact us.