Installshield 6 (inter-proc) patches

[Roger Fujii]

Dan Kegel wrote:
> Patrik Stridvall wrote:
> > > Which is my response to Rogers comment above - sure the GPL
> > > prohibits linking with a nonfree component.
> >
> > Yes, but what is linking?
> >
> > Don't you understand it is the vagueness of linking that is the problem.
> 
> I don't think it's vague.  We can define it quite well.  If bytes derived
> from object A end up in the same file as bytes from object B, they
> are statically linked.  If they are in separate files, but one calls the
> other via a function call in the same process, they are dynamically linked.

this does not apply directly to wine, but using that definition, a shared library
that contains only variables assignments (let's say it's a localization module),
would be considered "statically linked".  As for the latter, see next response
(linux threading model sucks).

> If they are in separate files, and one calls the other via a function call
> that crosses process boundaries (i.e. uses a remote procedure call protocol),
> there is no linking, at least not by current standards (and I bet this
> will not change).

so, given that linux's threading model creates a separate process per thread,
can call calls by the thread be considered a remote call?  Or in wine's case,
you're going to make a distinction between server dlls and client dlls ONLY
because they cross a process boundary?

If you think this is ugly, try applying this to java, where the concept of "file"
(since the classes can be in a zip file) an app (since there is no concept
of an 'executable' - just entry points), or even a 'process space' is vague.

> Header files for LGPL'd works are interesting; if they contain macros
> or inline functions, those need to be provided under a more liberal
> license, otherwise they would fit the definition of static linking.

section 5 is SUPPOSED to address this issue, but it depends on what people
think "small" means.  
 
> Patrick just doesn't like the goals of the LGPL, I think.

Guess it depends if you think LGPL is viral or not.....

-r

-- 
Roger Fujii <rmf at lookhere.com>
Underemployed, and trying to keep it that way....