Bug#750643: antlr: missing licence for PyANTLR

[wolfgang haefelinger]

Hello,


*That being said, I do not know why the antlr *.jar file includes the
Python code, as it does not need to. If the antlr upstream distributes the
binary *.jar file with it, thiswill not be a problem.*

This sentence is still confusing. It is a fact that antlr2-*.jar does not
contain *any* Python code. However, it contains the Java part of the
pyAntlr code generator plugin (path: antlr/actions/python/**). This code is
written by me, however, nowhere are the words "copyright" or "license"
mentioned. Therefore I conclude, that this code
is fully covered by LICENSE.txt listed in the root of antlr-*.tar.gz (or
other distributions listed at http://www.antlr2.org/download.html).

Thus there is a remaining Python part in "lib/python", part of the source
code distribution (http://www.antlr2.org/download/antlr-2.7.7.tar.gz).
Indeed, the license details are there in a bad shape.

My proposal to get rid of the problem is:

(a) pyANTLR-*.jar   => The pyANTLR code generator plugin for Python written
in Java, depending on antlr-*.jar. Technically, this would be the
"antlr/actions/python/**"
part found in the antlr*.jar file
(b) pyANTLR.zip    =>  The pyANTLR Python library. Technically, this would
be the "lib/python/**" part of antlr-*.tar.gz (or other source code
distribution) modified to have a proper license while otherwise unchanged.

You, Debian, you would then ignore (or wipe) the pyANTLR part of the
original antlr-2.* distribution and instead add at least (b) to your
system.

Your comments please.

Kind regards,
Wolfgang Häfelinger


On Fri, Jun 6, 2014 at 10:38 PM, Thorsten Glaser <tg at mirbsd.de> wrote:

> wolfgang haefelinger dixit:
>
> >Allright, so what is the procedure now to use
> >http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html?
>
> ⇒ generic part
>
> As copyright owner, all you have to do is to ensure that
> the people distributing antlr include a LICENSE.txt file
> in the Python subdirectory of their distribution which
> states this fact.
>
> You should also specify which version(s) of the licence.
> For example:
> • GPL version 1 only
> • GPL version 1 or later
> • GPL version 2 only
> • GPL version 2 or later
> • GPL version 3 only
> • GPL version 3 or later
>
> The “only” ones lead to interoperability problems, so
> I suggest an “or later” version, as your software is
> something usually combined with other code, i.e. a
> library of sorts.
>
> Using the GNU GPL will also make (the Python part of)
> antlr incompatible with licences such as the EPL, which
> are unfortunately common in the Java™ world. That being
> said, I do not know why the antlr *.jar file includes
> the Python code, as it does not need to. If the antlr
> upstream distributes the binary *.jar file with it, this
> will not be a problem.
>
> ⇒ Debian part
>
> The Debian package maintainers can add the relevant
> information, and possibly separate the Python part from
> the Java™ part, by themselves, if you notify them of
> this decision of yours (i.e. to use the GPL and which
> versions). For this, replying to the Debian bug eMail
> address is enough.
>
> Of course, Debian would want to stay in sync with
> upstream on this.
>
> ⇒ Upstream part
>
> Please contact the people who develop antlr 2.x and
> notify them of your decision, and ask them to release
> an updated antlr version including the licence file,
> and to prominently state this erratum on their website.
>
> ⇒ Other antlr versions
>
> I’ve only looked at antlr 2.x (since coworkers at the
> dayjob wanted to use this in a project of theirs, and
> since it is in Debian). If antlr 3.x and/or 4.x also
> include your code, please notify the people developing
> those as well.
>
>
> Thanks,
> //mirabilos
> --
> I believe no one can invent an algorithm. One just happens to hit upon it
> when God enlightens him. Or only God invents algorithms, we merely copy
> them.
> If you don't believe in God, just consider God as Nature if you won't deny
> existence.              -- Coywolf Qi Hunt
>



-- 
Wolfgang Häfelinger
häfelinger IT - Applied Software Architecture
http://www.haefelinger.it
+49 1520 32 52 981
(+31 648 27 61 59)
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.alioth.debian.org/pipermail/pkg-java-maintainers/attachments/20140614/974e49be/attachment.html>