[R-users] GPL - Using Open Source software.

[Matt Pocernich]

Hi,

In anticipation of a question that may come up later in the week, I have a
question about using R in an application that may at some point be
commercialized or could (theoretically)  be
patented.  I read the summary of the rules on GNU GPL found at
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html.   I quoted a couple sentences from
the Preamble  below.
Basically, I'm wondering if this is a reason not to use R?  Would
re-coding the R functions in another language change the situation? Has R
been used in NCAR applications that have been commercialized?

The following is from the GNU-GPL website.

" When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not price.
Our General Public Licenses are designed to make sure that you have the
freedom to distribute copies of free software (and charge for this service
if you wish), that you receive source code or can get it if you want it,
that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new free programs;
and that you know you can do these things.

"For example, if you distribute copies of such a program, whether gratis
or for a fee, you must give the recipients all the rights that you have. You
must make sure that they, too, receive or can get the source code.

" .... any patent must be licensed for everyone's free use or not licensed
at all.

http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html

Thanks,

Matt Pocernich
NCAR - Research Applications Program
303-497-8312