[development] Modules that integrate non-GPL PHP apps violate the GPL.

[Thomas Barregren]

Earnie Boyd skrev:
>
>
> Quoting Jeff Eaton <jeff at viapositiva.net>:
>
>>
>> *** If you can, at any point, call debug_backtrace() and see BOTH  
>> drupal functions AND functions from a non-GPL-compatible piece of  
>> software, the terms of the GPL are being violated. ***
>>
>
> Then any project that uses PHP and claims to be GPL is violating the 
> terms of the GPL as a rule of thumb.  PHP isn't GPL licensed[1] and 
> its functions are viewable in a debug_backtrace().

First, it is just a rule of thumb. (And a darn good one IMHO.)

Second, this situation is explained in the GPL FAQ:

  
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0-faq.html#InterpreterIncompat

Third, the best solution would be is Drupal included a FLOSS Exception:

  
http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/gpl-2.0-faq.html#GPLIncompatibleLibs

A good example of this is MySQL FLOSS Exception:

  http://www.mysql.com/company/legal/licensing/foss-exception.html

Best regards,
Thomas