There are several different copyrights on the MySQL distribution:
-
The MySQL-specific source needed to build the
mysqlclient
library and programs in the `client' directory is in the public
domain. Each file that is in the public domain has a header which clearly
states so. This includes everything in the `client' directory and some parts of
the mysys, mystring and dbug libraries.
-
Some small parts of the source (GNU
getopt) are covered by the
``GNU LIBRARY LIBRARY GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE''. See the
`mysys/COPYING.LIB' file.
-
Some small parts of the source (GNU
readline) are covered by the
``GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE''. See the `readline/COPYING' file.
-
Some parts of the source (the
regexp library) are covered by a Berkeley
style copyright.
-
The other source needed for the MySQL server on non-Microsoft
platforms is covered by the ``MySQL FREE PUBLIC LICENSE'', which is based on
the ``Aladdin FREE PUBLIC LICENSE.'' Confère section J Licence MySQL pour les sytèmes d'exploitation non-Microsoft. When running
MySQL on any Microsoft operating system, other licensing applies.
The following points set forth the philosophy behind our copyright policy:
-
The SQL client library should be totally free so that it can be included in
commercial products without limitations.
-
People who want free access to the software into which we have put a lot of
work can have it, so long as they do not try to make money directly by
distributing it for profit.
-
People who want the right to keep their own software proprietary, but also
want the value from our work, can pay for the privilege.
-
That means normal in-house use is FREE. But if you use MySQL for
something important to you, you may want to help further its development by
purchasing a license or a support contract. Confère section 3.6 Types de support commercial.
