Re: [boost] Boost licensing information

Subject: Re: [boost] Boost licensing information
From: Josh Juran (jjuran_at_[hidden])
Date: 2017-04-13 10:40:39

On Apr 12, 2017, at 8:33 PM, Gavin Lambert via Boost <boost_at_[hidden]> wrote:

> To most users of the Boost libraries, it doesn't make any difference either way -- they either distribute the libraries in compiled form, which the BSL permits without complications, or they distribute their own library/application in source form typically without redistributing the Boost libraries themselves (instead just telling people where to find them or expecting that they'll be able to find them themselves).
> 
> The latter approach might technically get them in trouble with their own licenses (eg. if they're using GPL) but most people don't worry about that either.

Not even technically.  Authors who license their own code under the GPL are not bound by the GPL with respect to that code.  An author is allowed to offer anything under the terms of the GPL, including a program that links to a binary-only library that you have to pay to use -- although nobody else would be legally allowed to redistribute it, due to being unable to fulfill the terms of the GPL.

Josh