[gameprogrammer] GPL Clarification

I'm still not convinced that you can use GPL code and not have to release the source to your entire project. Look at this:

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These requirements apply to the modified work as a whole. If identifiable sections of that work are not derived from the Program, and can be reasonably considered independent and separate works in themselves, then this License, and its terms, do not apply to those sections when you distribute them as separate works. But when you distribute the same sections as part of a whole which is a work based on the Program, the distribution of the whole must be on the terms of this License, whose permissions for other licensees extend to the entire whole, and thus to each and every part regardless of who wrote it.
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If I use GPL code for a project, where the GPL code is part of a whole, I have to release everything. Well linking in would certainly constitute part of a whole. The only time it wouldn't is if it were a separate utitlity.


Speaking of licenses, if I use a GPL library and link with other
modules, do I have to release the source to the other modules?


No. GPL only protects the original source code. Doesn't matter if


If I
modify the GPL library, do I have to release only my changes or the
entire library plus my changes?


You'll have to realease the original code (with its modifications) only. If
class A was the original and unique class of GPL protected A.dll library,
and then you grab A's code and put it into B.dll library which also includes
class B and C, you will only have to deliver A's source code.

If you modify A's code, you'll have to explicitly mark or comment the
changes you made. In this way, if other people uses your modified A's code
and it does crash, such person will blame you rather than the original
author. That's the main purpose.


Would I have to release my linked
modules as well?


No.



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