[ALL MUST READ] XDA-Developers and the GPL

[ALL MUST READ] XDA-Developers and the GPL - Sony Xperia S, Acro S, Ion

Dear kernel and ROM developers.
According to GPL v2 license, under which kernels are released, kernels must be released with source code provided.
To be fully compliant, the thread must contain.
@ kernel devs
Successfully build and produce a valid output file, which is the same format as provided in the binary
Contain all source code, interface definition files, scripts used to control compilation and installation of the executable (it is not required to include the actual compiler/toolchain, but sufficient information should be made available to obtain the SAME configuration, including compiler flags, as used to build the binary version as released
Example.
Kick-ass kernel
Built with android-toolchain 4.8 4.8-2013.05 (linking isn't a bad idea)
Branch used to compile (can be a direct link to git)
Name of the defconfig used in build
A short instruction about how to build it (not necessary, but useful)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ ROM devs
if ROM uses custom boot.img, the source must be provided. If it uses kernel by someone else, the kernel thread must be linked in the OP
if the ROM contains stock kernel, source must be linked (official site can be used)
Using a non GPL compliant kernel makes your ROM non compliant and subject to removal
Violation of GPL is in fact a breaking of the law, so I don't have to explain what could be a final of this.
More information can be found in the news written by pulser_g2.
Thank you for your attention.
Tom
XDA Senior Moderator

Related

GNU General Public License, version 2
Kernel Developers
In order to be fully GPL compliant, your sources must:
Successfully build and produce a valid output file, which is the same format as provided in the binary
Contain all source code, interface definition files, scripts used to control compilation and installation of the executable (it is not required to include the actual compiler/toolchain, but sufficient information should be made available to obtain the SAME configuration, including compiler flags, as used to build the binary version as released)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROM Developers
If your ROM uses custom boot.img the source must be provided.
If the kernel you are using was created by someone else, you must link to their source.
If your ROM contains a stock kernel, source must still be linked - ie; link to htc-dev kernel page.
Using a non GPL compliant kernel makes your ROM non compliant and subject to removal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is an example of how your kernel sources should appear in your development thread's OP (original post):
My Awesome Kernel
Source: [LINK] - Linked directly to where your source is located, ie; github, bitbucket, htc-dev.
Compiler: Linaro GCC 4.8 [LINK] - Link not nessacery but is helpul.
Branch: Android 4.2.2
Kernel Version: 3.10
defconfig: vigor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Violating the GNU General Public License, version 2 is breaking the law. We will not go lightly on violators.
Want to learn more about XDA and the GPLv2 License? Check out the news article by our very own, pulser_g2:
XDA-Developers and the GPL
Thank you for your attention.
wildstang83
Forum Moderator