Re: Anyone link GSL into IDL?

Brian Larsen wrote:
> In the realm of crazy TLAs has anyone ever linked the GNU scientific
> library (GSL) into IDL.  This is probably a case where I need to use a
> DLM.  Before I expend a bunch of effort reinventing the wheel I just
> want to make sure that others have not done this.
> 
> 
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Brian
> 
>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Brian Larsen
> Boston University
> Center for Space Physics

Brian,

Even if they had, it would probably[1] be in violation of the GPL to 
distribute such code.

GSL is GPL and opposed to LGPL. This broadly means[2] you can't 
distribute a derivative work which links IDL and GSL.

See the "licensing" section here:

http://www.gnu.org/software/gsl/

where the GPL has been explicitly chosen over the LGPL.

See also:

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#IfLibraryIsGPL

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#GPLInProprietarySystem

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#MoneyGuzzlerInc

You can, of course, link IDL and GSL but then you're not allowed[2] to 
distribute that work.

Of course, IANAL, and this is just my understanding of things. I am also 
not advocating anything in particular - just pointing out the situation 
as I see it.

Thanks,

Allan

[1] You can get non-GPL versions of GSL but I'll work on the assumption 
you're talking about the free version you can just download.

[2] i.e. is the general understanding of what the GPL means.