Re: [Help-gsl] Source code for HiCalc / breah of GPL for GSL

[Dr. David Kirkby]

Li, Timothy - BLS wrote:
> -- Just a comment --
>
> I suspect HiCalc will drop using the GSL and implement numerical
> algorithms by themselves. 

That would not get them out of their responsibilities under the GPL. The 
source code for the *current* version should still be released. If they 
choose to use a different library for a later release that is up to them.

> Inverting matrices is not a challenge to even
> an average programmer today, 

Easy to go wrong if the matrix is close to singular.

> but given out their source code would be
> too much of a financial loss to them. I don't see any function in HiCalc
> can not live without GSL. 

But I can't see how they can (or rater should) avoid giving the source. 
The GPL is clear on that and its clear they are using a GPL'ed library.

They have obviously profited for some time using the work of others so I 
don't see why they should continue to withhold the source so they can 
continue to profit.

If they provide an extra service (support for example), then that is a 
different matter. But the source should still be released.

To be fair, they have not declined to release the source. I have asked 
them about it today, but that was only a few hours ago.

Of course there is the point the contravention is likely to have been 
unintentional. But you can crash your car into someone elses car 
unintentionally - it does not free you from your responsibilities to pay 
them for the repair.

In this case it seems to me people are loosing out since the source is 
not public.

> By listing GSL on HiCalc about box in a way promotes the popularity of
> GSL, why not just leave it the way it is.

I personally can't agree with you. It would make a mockery of the GPL to 
advertise on software the fact it uses the GSL and not release the source.

--
Dr. David Kirkby