using Roundcube code in my projects

DiGiTYZED · September 09, 2012, 01:08:03 PM

Just so that I'm clear; since Roundcube is open source, I'm free to use any of it's code in my own applications/projects? If this is not true, what are my options?

SKaero · September 09, 2012, 03:45:04 PM

It depends how you want to use the RoundCube code in your project, if you where to give some information on how you plan to use and release RoundCube your projects I could be more specific. RoundCube is licensed under GPLv3 with some exclusions (full license: http://roundcube.net/license) but keep in mind that some library's that RoundCube uses are licensed differently.

DiGiTYZED · September 10, 2012, 01:05:40 AM

Well, I'm still in the very early planning stages of this project, but I think it could borrow the code/component that is RC's backend mail client and database controller. I hope that makes sense - my terminology may be off

SKaero · September 10, 2012, 01:08:29 AM

How are you planing to release your application?

DiGiTYZED · September 10, 2012, 01:35:50 AM

I hope to eventually profit from the project, so I guess it'll be released commercially/closed source...?

alec · September 10, 2012, 04:09:31 AM

If you use GPL libraries, your project must be released under GPL license.

SKaero · September 10, 2012, 06:38:25 AM

As alec says if you use GPL libraries you'd have to release your project under the GPL or a GPL compatible license. Now thats not to say you can't profit from your project, there are many ways to profit from open source projects.

DiGiTYZED · September 10, 2012, 01:02:18 PM

Okay. So I can legally use GPL libraries as long as I include it's GPL license with the conditions & terms/TOS when users sign up for my app/service?

SKaero · September 10, 2012, 01:31:22 PM

Is your application something users will download and install on there own servers or is it a service, i.e they signup on your site and get access to an email account using RoundCube, etc.

DiGiTYZED · September 10, 2012, 01:59:22 PM

A service. And it won't necessarily have RC's UI, mainly the backend code would be used. Essentially I don't feel like writing code that's readily available.

SKaero · September 11, 2012, 09:06:02 PM

If its a service and your not giving any type of code or binary to anyone then you can use GPL librarys in your project.

DiGiTYZED · September 13, 2012, 12:52:41 PM

Thanks for helping clear this up!