using Roundcube code in my projects

[DiGiTYZED]

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]

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]

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]

How are you planing to release your application?

[DiGiTYZED]

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

[alec]

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

[SKaero]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Thanks for helping clear this up!