Re: [gforth] How to make executable binary applications?

[David Kuehling]

>>>>> "Bahman" == Bahman Movaqar <address@hidden> writes:

> On Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 01:17, David Kuehling <address@hidden> wrote:
>>>>>>> "Bernd" == Bernd Paysan <address@hidden> writes:
>> 
>>> Am Sonntag, 6. November 2011, 23:30:21 schrieb Bahman Movaqar:
>>>> I'm going to write an application using Forth.  The source of this
>>>> application must *not* be readable by others.  AFAIU if I create an
>>>> image of the source, once still can 'SEE' the words after loading
>>>> the image.  Is that right?  If yes, are there any ways to make an
>>>> executable binary file (like a compiled and linked C program) out
>>>> of a collection of Forth source files?
>>>> 
>>>> BTW, I'm using Gforth.  TIA,
>> 
>>> Gforth is under GPL.  If you plan to do that, you first of all need
>>> a GPL exception, you cannot do that with the license under which you
>>> have obtained Gforth - this is different from C, where the binary
>>> does not contain the C compiler.  I think you can negotiate that
>>> with Anton and me, when you have good reasons - making money is a
>>> good reason, but then you need to share some of that money with us.
>> 
>> ... or with the Free Software Foundation?  Most of the Gforth
>> copyright is assigned to the FSF, have a lot of fun negating with
>> them :)
>> 
>> You might get around the licensing restriction, using Gforth's cross
>> compiler.  Have a look at chapter 13.1 Image Licensing Issues in the
>> Gforth manual.

> Nice hint :-D Thank you.  I guess that fulfils my requirement.

> However, I'm not an expert on the (c) tricks so to avoid any problems,
> I just explain the distribution process I'll use and I'll be more than
> grateful if someone could confirm that it doesn't conflict with GPL.

> The process: I make an image of the sources using 'cross'.  I put the
> image (with no source) on a CD along with Gforth binaries and a GPL
> copyright text.  I sell the CD at price X.

This could work under the "boundle" software shipping interpretation of
the GPL.  You should also include the Gforth sources on the CD to make
sure all GPL redistribution condutions are satisfied.  I.e. just putting
the GPL text on the CD might not bu sufficient, better have a thorough
look on the GPL.

Are you sure you don't want to just put your software in source code
form onto the CD, and run it from source code?  Forth code without
comments will be sufficiently obfuscated anyways :)

cheers,

David
-- 
GnuPG public key: http://dvdkhlng.users.sourceforge.net/dk.gpg
Fingerprint: B17A DC95 D293 657B 4205  D016 7DEF 5323 C174 7D40

pgpiUJcU2jkpG.pgp
Description: PGP signature