2.1 Licensing

As of version 0.2.9, the Ringing Class Library is split into two parts, which are licensed differently. This is explained again in the file COPYING in the distribution. A summary is given here, but to be sure you should consult individual files for their licensing conditions.

• Most of the library is released under the GNU Public License (GPL). A copy of this licence can be found in the file COPYING.GPL in the top directory of the distribution. This licence allows you to copy, modify and distribute the library, provided that you stay within the stated terms. However, it does not allow you to include the library in your own commercial programs. Any programs which use the library must again be free. For full details, please read the text of the licence.
• A core part of the library is under the Lesser GNU Public License (LGPL). A copy of this licence can be found in the file COPYING.LGPL in the top directory of the distribution. Unlike the GPL, this licence does allow you to use this part of the library in commercial programs. The reason for releasing the core part of the library under the LGPL is principally to encourage authors to use the online method database at http://methods.ringing.org/ in their programs, whether commercial or not. All the files you need to use that database are under the LGPL.

Important: Using any part of the library in a commercial program, except for those parts specifically stated to be under the weaker LGPL, is against the terms of the licence. If in doubt, ask the authors.