MySQL Version 4

[WipeOut]

Leonard den Ottolander wrote:

>Hi WipeOut, all,
>
>  
>
>>http://www.mysql.com/products/foss-exception.html
>>    
>>
>
>Interesting read:
>
>"2. You distribute all identifiable sections of the Derivative Work
>which are not derived from the Program"
>
>Could somebody explain to me what a derivative work which is not derived
>from the program means? This seems to suggest that MySQL AB believes
>that programs that use their database as a back end are derivative
>works.
>
>I would say that a derivative work of mysql is a modified version of
>mysql, or a program that uses parts of mysql's codebase. To suggest that
>a program that uses a particular database as its back end is a
>derivative work of that database back end is rather ludicrous.
>
>Leonard.
>
>  
>
Looking at the complete text for point two..

"2. You distribute all identifiable sections of the Derivative Work 
which are not derived from the Program, and which can reasonably be 
considered independent and separate works in themselves, subject to one 
of the licenses listed below,"

To me this is saying that if you use the MySQL client libs and don't 
want to  release you code as GPL or buy a MySQL license then your code 
needs to be distributed under one of the open source licenses listed on 
the page..

Remember this is an exception for people creating non GPL open source 
apps to use the MySQL client libs.. Its not free (as in beer) access to 
the client libs for inclusion into non open source apps..

Of course taking a single point out of the text will usually cause some 
confusion, the entire text has to be taken as a whole..

Later.