Recent cross-platform graphical user interface library selection, weighing a number of factors after the final selection of QT, one of the important factors is that QT use LGPL licensing. Due to my limited understanding of LGPL, there are always questions about how closed source commercial software publishes Qt libraries, and the most concerned is whether the published business software can contain (or accompany) the QT Dynamic link library (DLL,SO). then find the following resources on the network:
the official saying(See original "Qt:making the right Licensing decision"):
Lgpl
The LGPL is a license agreement written (and copyrighted) by the free software Foundation.
The LGPL is a "copyleft" open source software license and is less restrictive than the GNU GPL.
Facts:
The LGPL version 2.1 license was created by the free software Foundation and are copyrighted by them. This means the terms cannot is changed or negotiated by us.
Users can develop proprietary applications that dynamically link to the Qt libraries without have to release their appli Cation source code.
All modifications is considered "works based on the Library" must be licensed under the LGPL v. 2.1 and need to be s Hared with downstream recipients on source code format (i.e. contributed back). The QT context This means, modifications made to Qt itself must is licensed under the terms of the LGPL.
If You is shipping an executable, you must include any data and utility programs needed for reproducing the executable (i . E. must provide components needed to recompile with a new version of the library) unless such data and utility programs a Re normally distributed with the major, the operating system on which the executable runs.
Copyrights and notices need to be maintained.
Because The LGPL is a complex legal document and we always suggest so you have your Legal Counsel review the license prior To beginning development ensure, the LGPL is appropriate for your development project. Please note that once your begin with the LGPL you cannot then convert to a commercial license due to a restriction in our Commercial license Agreement.
User discussion:
"QT's LGPL under the authority of the conspiracy?" "From CSDN
"Freely distribute the Qt shared libraries (DLLs)?" From the official QT forum
My conclusion is:
Closed source commercial software free use of the LGPL version of Qt must meet the following conditions:
1, do not modify the QT source code.
2. You must use the QT library in a dynamic-link way.
3, in the software copyright notice that the use of LGPL version of QT, the description of the specific use of those QT library, and ensure that software users understand.
4, in the release of the software contains the original QT copyright notice.
Another: QT dynamic libraries (i.e. packaged in an installation package) can be included in programs released after the above conditions are met.
Reference: http://my.oschina.net/eechen/blog/66337
How to publish business software that uses QT version LGPL