Understanding the implication of GPL

[LuKreme]

On 23-Mar-2007, at 07:59, Richard Taubo wrote:
> Now I wonder: How can OS X contain the program diff when the the  
> GPL states that the license also handles derivative work:  ". . . a  
> work containing the Program or a portion of it . . ."

OS X does not 'contain' diff, it INCLUDES diff.

If I wrote a program like, say, Delicious Library (IIWAPLDL) and in  
that program I used the diff code (straight or modified), then that  
program would be 'tainted' by the GPL.

IIWAPLDL and used the system installed diff program as an external  
pipe to do some task, then the program would NOT be 'tainted' by the  
GPL.

IIWAPLDL and used a heavily modified version of GNU's diff, but kept  
it as a separate program and made my changes available to whomever  
asked, then my program would STILL not be 'tainted' by the GPL.

At least that's how I understand it.

-- 
I hate people who pronounce it "vunerable." And you can't correct  
them because they're so vulnerable.