Questions about the GPL?

Question

Python

Should a program that uses a gpl library be released under a gpl license?
I'm writing a project in python, I'm going to open the source. The program uses the xmpppy library, it is distributed under the GPL.
Can I distribute sources under the BSD license if I don't include the library in the distribution? If I compile with py2exe, will there be any license issues?

Answer 1

Should a program that uses a gpl library be released under a gpl license?

In general, yes, it should; see paragraphs 3 and 6 of the GPLv2.

Can I distribute sources under the BSD license if I don't include the library in the distribution? If I compile with py2exe, will there be any license issues?

I'm afraid you can't; there will be problems. Some details on the links: 1 , 2 .

Answer 2

For libraries in such cases there is LGPL
Also look for information on license compatibility. BSD is more free, so you can't include the GPL under it.

Answer 3

The only option is if your program does not require a GPL library to run on its own. In this case, you can release the program under an arbitrary license plus write a GPL plugin that connects a GPL library that extends functionality.