MySQL and GPL was Re: [plug] Database advice - Newbie

[Craig Ringer]

> Umm not that I have read the MySQL licencing details but I would have
> thought that it would be similar to the GPL of gcc that allows non GPLed
> software/applications to be created with it. Anyone got any thoughts 
> on this?

Yeah. That was me having a "brain out to lunch" problem. MySQL is GPL 
not LGPL though, so it really depends on the definition of a "derivative 
work". I don't know enough about this - all I was meaning to say before 
was "look into it". I don't know the status of a product that includes a 
bundled copy of MySQL...

The MySQL site isn't perfectly clear on the matter:

"The software from MySQL AB that you can download from the pages listed 
below, is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) 
<http://www.mysql.com/products/licensing.html> and is provided "as is" 
and is without any warranty.

You need to purchase commercial non-GPL MySQL licenses:

    * If you distribute MySQL Software with your non open source software,
    * If you want warranty from MySQL AB for the MySQL software,
    * If you want to support MySQL development"

I was mentioning it because you weren't clear on how the app was to be 
used - whether it was in-house only or what. If it's an in-house only 
app, it's no stress, since only distribution is an issue.

Craig Ringer