[SOLVED] Probably a tooootal newb question... but

[proeliumfessus]

why would anyone use java to program with?? I totally just got my butt kicked trying to understand the GNU-GPL license (which java falls under per wikipedia), but what I left with was the following:

-if you develop with a GPL language, you cant charge for any program you build with it AND you also have to provide your source code to anyone who asks (if you make the program public anyway).

-oh and you also allow anyone to redistribute your program and make any changes to it they want.

If I had years and years of programming experience and i wanted to create somthing truely unique- why would i possibly pick any GPL language? And the net is plastered with innovative java code... How are java dev's paying their bills if they cant charge for the programs they build and have to give their source code away? Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

[Fubarable]

As I understand it, Sun has fairly recently released the java source code under the gnu licensure. Programs however created with a Java compiler without directly using the source code can be sold without restriction.

[proeliumfessus]

thanks but any chance you can clarify a little? dont understand the "without directly using the source code"

[Fubarable]

The more I read, my understanding may be wrong on this. What I do know is that if you create a Java program and wish to sell it, there are no legal restrictions on your doing this regardless of Java's source being available via gnu license.

[proeliumfessus]

ok- well that makes things make more sense. one more quickie if you dont mind- do you have to provide the source code for the program you build if someone asks for it?

[Fubarable]

ok- well that makes things make more sense. one more quickie if you dont mind- do you have to provide the source code for the program you build if someone asks for it?

I'm not a professional programmer, but rather a physician, but my brother is an intellectual property lawyer. Per him, it would all depend on your contract. So if it were me, I'd negociate this point prior to doing the work.

[proeliumfessus]

Oh excellent- thanks for the help, appreciate it :)