Alternatives to gcc (was Re: gcc 4.3: when will it becomestandard compiler?)

[Steve Kargl]

On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 01:30:09PM +1030, Daniel O'Connor wrote:
> On Thursday 29 January 2009 12:49:46 Xin LI wrote:
> > > The "eligible compilation process" is where you use GCC and GPL
> > > compatible software.
> > >
> > > I think for the FreeBSD project that is fine.
> >
> > I agree, this term seems to be targeted to companies behind closed
> > source optimizers.  Speaking for myself, I think FreeBSD would avoid
> > GPLv3 code where possible to minimize the risk it would introduce to
> > commercial users of our codebase, we want our code be used by as many
> > people as possible to better exploit its value.
> 
> Seems like a fairly marginal case (speaking as someone who ships proprietary 
> software built by GCC running on FreeBSD).
> 
> I think for the compiler/tool chain GPLv3 is OK, but for example, in libraries 
> it would [very] bad.
> 
> Luckily I don't see that being a problem for FreeBSD :)
> 

The FSF has not decided what to do about the runtime libraries.
These are currently gplv2+link time exception.  In the future,
the libraries may be gplv3 + some new link time exception.

- 
Steve