Re: [boost] Can a Boost library use a component like GMP and mfpr that have a LGPL license ?

Subject: Re: [boost] Can a Boost library use a component like GMP and mfpr that have a LGPL license ?
From: Steve M. Robbins (steve_at_[hidden])
Date: 2009-03-28 05:35:53

On Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 10:37:48PM -0200, Fernando Cacciola wrote:
> Steve M. Robbins wrote:
>> On Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 05:42:47PM -0000, Paul A. Bristow wrote:
>>
>>>> Yes, there are certainly lots of examples of external dependencies.
>>> I understand that there are dependencies, but are those libraries being used
>>> in items that are being *sold*?
>>>
>>> Lots of people are no doubt using Boost.Python, but are they selling
>>> products using it?
>>>
>>> The proposed GTL sounds to me as though it is a prime candidate for
>>> inclusion in actual 'Sat-Navy' products.
>>>
>>> Does this make any difference?
>>
>> Not in my view.  Why do you ask the question?  Is there some reason
>> you think it might matter whether the Boost libraries appear in
>> products being sold?
>
> The potential problem Paul is asking us to consider is not the boost 
> library but the dependent non-boost library, such as GMP in the case of 
> GTL.

The way I read Paul's question was roughly:

  Even though Boost library A has external dependencies, it doesn't
  matter since no-one is selling products based on it.  Proposed
  library B, on the other hand, may be used commercially so we need to
  examine its external dependencies more carefully

That may not have been the intent.  If it was, however, it seems to me
curious to place additional restrictions on proposed library B.  I
don't see why Boost ought to be concerned with the context in which a
proposed library might be used.

My 2 cents,
-Steve