OpenJDK and JNI -- licensing

[Kevin Regan]

Yes, this would most certainly be very helpful.

 

Sun, what do you think?

 

--Kevin
 
> CC: dalibor.topic at sun.com; discuss at openjdk.java.net
> From: geir at pobox.com
> To: galabar at hotmail.com
> Subject: Re: OpenJDK and JNI -- licensing
> Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 05:34:39 -0400
> 
> I strikes me that the best thing for everyone is a FAQ entry from Sun :
> 
> "Q: Does the classpath exception apply to JNI applications running on 
> OpenJDK?"
> 
> with the answer
> 
> "A: Yes"
> 
> or
> 
> "A: No"
> 
> depending on Sun's official stance on the matter.
> 
> Seems like an easy thing for Sun to provide.
> 
> geir
> 
> 
> On Jul 7, 2009, at 8:08 PM, Kevin Regan wrote:
> 
> >
> >
> > So, let me get this straight. I need to first understand the 
> > Classpath exception, then find this entry in the FAQ about alternate 
> > licenses (that I otherwise would not be looking for), track down 
> > these demo applications, notice that at least one of them is JNI, 
> > and then assume from the wording of "Because these components are 
> > not part of the JDK but rather are
> > application programs, they need not be under the GPL license because 
> > of
> > the Classpath exception" that my JNI applications are also not 
> > encumbered by the GPL?
> >
> > You are absolutely serious in putting forth that this is sufficient 
> > for most developers to answer this question (are JNI applications 
> > subject to the GPL)? You are stating that most developers will come 
> > to the FAQ and easily track down this information?
> >
> > So, clearly, from following this procedure, we've surmised JNI 
> > applications are not subject to the GPL, correct?
> >
> > --Kevin
> >
> >> Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 01:58:03 +0200
> >> From: Dalibor.Topic at Sun.COM
> >> Subject: Re: OpenJDK and JNI -- licensing
> >> To: galabar at hotmail.com
> >> CC: discuss at openjdk.java.net
> >>
> >> Kevin Regan wrote:
> >>> I'm asking for samples explaining how the license applies to JNI 
> >>> and pure Java applications.
> >>
> >> Let me quote from the FAQ I referred to in the mail you're just 
> >> replying to:
> >>
> >> "Q:
> >> Are there any other licenses used in the OpenJDK code base besides 
> >> the ones you've already described?
> >> A:
> >> Yes. The demo and sample code modules are released under the BSD 
> >> license. These code elements are intended to be very widely 
> >> distributed, freely modified and used. Accordingly, we've chosen 
> >> the BSD license as most appropriate for these uses. *Because these 
> >> components are not part of the JDK but rather are application 
> >> programs, they need not be under the GPL license because of the 
> >> Classpath exception.*"[emphasis mine]
> >>
> >> You can find the samples you're looking for (both pure Java 
> >> applications, and those using JNI) in the folders containing BSD 
> >> licensed demo and sample application programs.
> >>
> >> I can only assume that the issues you're having with the FAQ are 
> >> based on an assumption that using or not using JNI makes a major 
> >> difference in terms of the effect of the license, so I'd kindly 
> >> suggest reading the license terms, and/or the FAQ and/or asking a 
> >> legal professional for advice.
> >>
> >> cheers,
> >> dalibor topic
> >> -- 
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