[Boost-users] Re: about license

From: David Abrahams (dave_at_[hidden])
Date: 2004-02-24 20:42:51

Marleny Rafferty <marleny_at_[hidden]> writes:

> Hi-
>
> I am considering using boost in my applications, but I have a question
> about the boost license at http://www.boost.org/LICENSE_1_0.txt .  It
> says (edited) "Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to ...
> use [and] reproduce ... the Software".
>
> It also says that any derivative works must also have the same license
> grant.
>
> If my application uses boost libraries unchanged, is it considered a
> derivative work?

Yes.

> If so, does that mean that if I distribute my compiled software, I
> must allow free of charge use and distribution?

No, the license gives an explicit exemption for compiled code
(emphasis mine):

all derivative works of the Software, UNLESS SUCH COPIES OR DERIVATIVE
WORKS ARE SOLELY IN THE FORM OF MACHINE-EXECUTABLE OBJECT CODE GENERATED BY
A SOURCE LANGUAGE PROCESSOR.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
www.boost-consulting.com