Questions tagged [closed-source]
For questions about closed-source software and how it relates to open source.
103 questions
12
votes
1
answer
142
views
What does it mean, if a C or C++ header with non-trivial code is LGPL licensed?
LGPL has certain requirements for software that uses LGPL libraries. The most common way to satisfy these in otherwise closed-source software is to supply the LGPL library as a dynamic library, which ...
- 221
11
votes
5
answers
2k
views
Can GPLv3 be used to protect reverse engineered die shots against usage in closed-source projects?
If you are unaware, there are projects to save old hardware by REing (Reverse Engineering) their custom chips into so-called die shots. Basically, the chip is "delayered", photographed under ...
- 213
1
vote
1
answer
77
views
Can closed-source components be included in the compilation of an MPL-licensed product?
I am developing an open-source simulation game in the same vein as WorldBox but with a greater focus on interactions between the player and individual units, and societal concepts like language and ...
- 121
3
votes
1
answer
565
views
Closed-source licensing of OS with Linux kernel
If you take an operating system, it is always a compilation of different packages. Each of these packages is distributed under a different license. The operating system itself is distributed under an ...
- 87
2
votes
0
answers
68
views
Using unmodified GPLv2 binary in closed-source app
I'm thinking about creating a closed-source commercial app (MyApp) that would use an executable published under GPLv2 (ExtApp). MyApp would prepare the inputs for ExtApp, run it and retreive the ...
- 121
2
votes
1
answer
170
views
Using multi-licensed code as a library in my proprietary software
I want to use the dual-licensed git-filter-repo as a library in my proprietary and commercial application, by this I mean:
I want to sell the application as a binary, executable or package but not ...
16
votes
1
answer
3k
views
What is the difference between Open source and "Source available" software?
Just as the title says, I want to know the difference between Open source and "Source available" software. Literally, both the terms mean the same thing, i.e software whose source code is ...
- 385
5
votes
1
answer
492
views
Utilising GPLv3 in a closed-source application via HTTP API
I have a question regarding integration of a GPLv3 software into a broader application stack and what I am legally obligated to do under the terms of the license. I browsed the existing threads on ...
- 153
5
votes
1
answer
163
views
Is 2.11BSD source code encumbered?
The early '90s brouhaha regarding USL code in 4BSD was eventually sorted out with the release of 4.4BSD-Lite. How did this agreement apply (if at all) to 2BSD source code, and was an unencumbered ...
- 350
5
votes
2
answers
213
views
Choosing an open source license for my up to now commercial project
I'm about to re-license my desktop application as open source software. For several years now, the application is published and sold under a commercial license. While working on a new version (...
- 151
3
votes
1
answer
251
views
Can I open-source an API client for a closed-source product?
I want to open source an HTTP Client for a closed source software product.
The vendor of this product distributes the binary packages / executables only in forums / repositories which require proper ...
- 133
3
votes
1
answer
122
views
File format convertor for open source and proprietary file formats
I want to build an application that will enable a user to convert files from any one of three formats, into any of those three formats. In order words, there are three formats:
aaa, bbb and ccc
My ...
- 133
1
vote
0
answers
35
views
Can a GPL binary, that has no source code released, be reverse engineered, and that source be released? [duplicate]
can a GPL binary, that have no source code released, be reverse engineered and that source be released?
Some devs get a project in GPL, implement new things, release the binary but do not release the ...
- 131
-1
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can I use Qt for closed source commercial software? [duplicate]
I am developing an application for geological research that I intend to sell for commercial purposes. With it I need a GUI too. I started using tkinter, but it seems to be, at least for me, somehow ...
- 21
3
votes
1
answer
204
views
Do I have to comply with the LGPL when using a BSD-licensed library in a closed-source application, which then uses other LGPL-licensed libraries?
I am going to implement a closed-source, commercial application that uses and links statically the modbus-esp8266 library which is released under a BSD New license. At the same time, you can see in ...
- 33