Re: calling octave from C

[Jaroslav Hajek]

On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 5:54 PM, Judd Storrs <address@hidden> wrote:

Sorry, I think it's pretty clear I was being dense. It's pretty
obvious that using pytave is a binary link into octave and should
invoke the full GPL on python scripts that use it. Using pytave is
equivalent to using the .oct interface not m-files. Which should have
been pretty obvious to me. How embarrassing. Sorry for the noise.


--judd

Now I don't know if you're serious :)
Maybe there was some confusion that is to be blamed. You thought (or at least said) that we're adding new restrictions to the GPL in Pytave; we're not. We're just using the GPL, and also respect the FSF's authority regarding specific licensing implications.
And the FSF's FAQ states that if a script uses Pytave, it is "effectively linked to" Octave (hence must comply with GPL).
As a matter of fact, I do *not* really understand how this conclusion follows from the text of GPL 3, I just trust the FAQ. I respect the opinion of FSF because they probably studied GPL-related issues more than most GPL developers, and as creators they should think in accordance with the "spirit" of GPL. But of course even FSF can be wrong.

If the licensing issues pose a problem for your work; I'd suggest you still contact the FSF; maybe they can advise something. 

best regards

-- 
RNDr. Jaroslav Hajek
computing expert & GNU Octave developer
Aeronautical Research and Test Institute (VZLU)
Prague, Czech Republic
url: www.highegg.matfyz.cz