Clarification of GPLv3 Impact of non-GPL Modules

[tekg]

I would be curious to know what the impact is of this lic. vs the last on the development of non-gpl plugin modules. Does sugar, being essentially a set of scripts, qualify aspipes, sockets and command-line arguments and are treated as communication mechanisms normally used between two separate programs. OR would it be classed as the more restrictive "combining two modules into one program"? The implications of this are fairly large and I would like to hear the official Sugar stance on the interpretation.

[andydreisch]

Hi tekg, our FAQs cover this, I believe.

Look for the Question: "My extension interacts with Sugar Community Edition purely through Sugar Web Services (SOAP API) calls. What do I need to do?"

It all centers around what constitutes a "larger work" and the above referenced FAQ in turn points to a GPLv3 FAQ.

HTH,

Andy

[tekg]

Thanks Andy, I had looked at that but I still am not exactly clear. Is it reliant on how exactly the module is coded in order to determine whether the gplv3 applies? It seems to indicate this to me anyways.

[andydreisch]

Correct, tekg. A lot depends on the type of modification, how it's constructued, how it's derived, how it's integrated, etc. That makes it difficult to provide a concrete answer, and permits us to offer only guidance.

Let us know if you have additional thoughts on this or if there are any improvements to the FAQ that we can make in this regard.

Andy

[ruchida]

Thanks Andy, I had looked at that but I still am not exactly clear. Is it reliant on how exactly the module is coded in order to determine whether the gplv3 applies? It seems to indicate this to me anyways.

Hi Tekg,

I too think that most of developers are interested in this section.

My understanding is that an extension module works ONLY WHEN it is combined with Sugar Community Edition. In other words, it works only where/when Sugar Community Edition works. In this case, the entire program should be GPL'ed according to this guidline.

On the other hand, a program that talks with Sugar SOAP API over network works independently from Sugar Community Edition without being combined. The Outlook plug-in, a wireless program, etc., are among those programs which can be delivered under non-GPL.