Ian Lance Taylor wrote: > It seems very likely that it would be possible to write a plugin which > would generate IR to be fed into a proprietary backend. > > More deeply, I think his concern is misplaced.
For the record, I agree on both points. There are some ways in which plugins might make getting proprietary code in the loop easier. For example, if someone plugs Guile into the plugin interface, then it might be easy to write a pile of LISP code to poke at GCC. I understand that there are differing opinions on whether or not these kinds of indirections affect the GPL. But, that's the kind of thing that the FSF gets to think about. But, as you say, the whole idea of the GPL is that people can go build what they want -- including plugin frameworks to GCC that might or might not allow them to interface with proprietary code. If it's really worth it to them, then they will. The FSF's best defense is to make it not worth it by providing enough valuable free software. Anyhow, in practical terms, debating this here probably will have zero impact on the outcome. The ball is in RMS' court, and SC members (including myself) have made many of the arguments that have been made in this thread. If people want to influence the FSF, the best approach is probably going to be sending mail directly to RMS, not discussing it on this list. Thanks, -- Mark Mitchell CodeSourcery [EMAIL PROTECTED] (650) 331-3385 x713
