Re: GSL random stuff and licensing

[Brian Gough <bjg@network-theory.demon.co.uk>]

Sven N. Thommesen wrote:
> I'm hoping either of you can enlighten me on the following:
> 
> the Swarm simulation package, which consists of a set of libraries, is
> distributed under the LGPL. GSL, on the other hand, is distributed under
> GPL. Other Swarm developers were hesitant about my incorporating GPL'd gsl
> code (some of the random distributions, in my case) into Swarm, since this
> would represent a 'clash of licenses'.

This is true - it is not possible to convert code from the GPL to LGPL. 

> Any thoughts on why gsl is GPL rather than LGPL? Any chance I might be able
> to use gpl code in Swarm under LGPL terms?

Personally, I want to give an advantage to people writing free software,
and the LGPL does not do that.

In the light of RMS's message about using the LGPL only to replace an
equivalent proprietary library I wonder if the Swarm project has
considered switching to the GPL. In the area of numerical software a lot
of commercial work is done purely "in house", not to develop proprietary
products, and the GPL does not impose any restrictions on that type of
use. 

regards,
Brian Gough