Database Users

XDA-Developers and the GPL

Dear Developers
I'm sure you already heard about the GPL around the forums. In case you did not, the GPL ("GNU General Public License") is the most common license that affects many projects, like the Linux Kernel (the Linux Kernel is licensed under the GPLv2). This affects us, XDA and its members, as we are often working with the Linux Kernel (every Android platform runs on top of the Linux Kernel).
You may ask yourself now "Well, that's nice, but how does this affect me and what does the GPL do?" The answer is pretty simple actually: The GPL guarantees users to examine, modify and share their and others code by enforcing open-sourceness. This means you are free to use any GPL'ed sourcecode for your project, but you must make your used code publically available again.
Now, as many advantages this has, it also means quite some work for us developers. All used sources must be completely public by the time the compiled binary (like a Kernel) goes online. Another requirement is, that the OP must include all information to compile the exact same binary as uploaded by the developer. This means you need to specify:
The used toolchain including its version (linking to your toolchain source is always a good idea)
The used defconfig
The link to your sourcecode (including the used branch, tags,...)
If used, also upload your scripts used for the compilation
If you upload a kernel, publish the source, but the source is not compilable, it means you are breaking the GPL as you did not release the used source. Breaking the GPL actually means breaking the law, which means the sanctions on XDA could possibly be the least of your problems...
Example:
GPL:
- Used sources (cm-10.1 branch)
- Used defconfig
- Used toolchain
- Used scripts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ROM devs, using a precompiled kernel
As you are not compiling the kernel yourself, you do not have to give the above information. However, you have to link to the source of your kernel binary (for example: link to the OP of the used kernel). If you use the stock kernel, you must state this. Linking to the stock sources is not a requirement, but it is not the worst idea.
Keep in mind; if the kernel used is not GPL compliant, your ROM is not GPL compliant either. This may cause your thread to be closed and/or further action on your account may be taken.
Example:
GPL:
The kernel included in this ROM is located HERE. I have not altered anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need/want further information, you might want to take a look at THIS news article written by our Developer Admin pulser_g2

XDA-Developers and the GPL

Dear Developers
I'm sure you already heard about the GPL around the forums. In case you did not, the GPL ("GNU General Public License") is the most common license that affects many projects, like the Linux Kernel (the Linux Kernel is licensed under the GPLv2). This affects us, XDA and its members, as we are often working with the Linux Kernel (every Android platform runs on top of the Linux Kernel).
You may ask yourself now "Well, that's nice, but how does this affect me and what does the GPL do?" The answer is pretty simple actually: The GPL guarantees users to examine, modify and share their and others code by enforcing open-sourceness. This means you are free to use any GPL'ed sourcecode for your project, but you must make your used code publically available again.
Now, as many advantages this has, it also means quite some work for us developers. All used sources must be completely public by the time the compiled binary (like a Kernel) goes online. Another requirement is, that the OP must include all information to compile the exact same binary as uploaded by the developer. This means you need to specify:
The used toolchain including its version (linking to your toolchain source is always a good idea)
The used defconfig
The link to your sourcecode (including the used branch, tags,...)
If used, also upload your scripts used for the compilation
If you upload a kernel, publish the source, but the source is not compilable, it means you are breaking the GPL as you did not release the used source. Breaking the GPL actually means breaking the law, which means the sanctions on XDA could possibly be the least of your problems...
Example:
GPL:
- Used sources (cm-10.1 branch)
- Used defconfig
- Used toolchain
- Used scripts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ROM devs, using a precompiled kernel
As you are not compiling the kernel yourself, you do not have to give the above information. However, you have to link to the source of your kernel binary (for example: link to the OP of the used kernel). If you use the stock kernel, you must state this. Linking to the stock sources is not a requirement, but it is not the worst idea.
Keep in mind; if the kernel used is not GPL compliant, your ROM is not GPL compliant either. This may cause your thread to be closed and/or further action on your account may be taken.
Example:
GPL:
The kernel included in this ROM is located HERE. I have not altered anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need/want further information, you might want to take a look at THIS news article written by our Developer Admin pulser_g2

[Github Organization] Xiaomi Hermes Devs

Hello devs, I think before to split some developers for own project to regroup all ppl want and can working on this device to one place.
The only requeriment are working with apache v2 license (much better gnu because is required to post credits) or any derivate.
For a moment I create this on github, I send the invite to the best developer in this moment (nofearnohappy) and when him give time to reply to me to loki, everyone want partecipate it's free to write here, I'm happy to add to this group for share our knowedge
I love the opensource and I want to share and respect the current copyright for every works.
Thanks for attenction

Ivan said he already posted his sourcecodes on Android6.0 at github, I think you can make it much better, and also thanks for supporting heremes ,thank you very much.
Sent from my Redmi Note 2 using XDA Free mobile app

Namaless said:
Hello devs, I think before to split some developers for own project to regroup all ppl want and can working on this device to one place.
The only requeriment are working with apache v2 license (much better gnu because is required to post credits) or any derivate.
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should first pay attention to a Chinese developer who work in Xiaomi, ivan19871002
here's his repo about Hermes : https://github.com/xiaomi-dev/android_device_xiaomi_hermes/tree/cm-12.1
You will notice branch is based on nofearnohappy's work, which is based on bule's.
and he was developed on any Xiaomi's device which use Qualcomm's SoC.
RN2 is his first trial, he only use a week to learn MTK and he already updated a most stable CM on github.
I think there's no body know this news(I'm from Taiwan, so I know all the latest information from China. If you wanna contract with Chinese developer like ivan and bule, you can ask me in PM. I have privately way to contact to nofearnohappy and bule )
By the way, ivan may keeps maintaining this device...
PS. Pay more attention to ivan's patch folder, you'll find all the solution in it.

I check the ivan repository but him fork the nofearnohappy repository only, no one changes...
Nice to know, if you can contact bule and ask him if wanna working on team is the best way

Namaless said:
I check the ivan repository but him fork the nofearnohappy repository only, no one changes...
Nice to know, if you can contact bule and ask him if wanna working on team is the best way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to switch to his branch which named "cm12.1" that is 22 commits ahead, but not "master" branch.
ivan and bule have team up already... but I'll ask him about this.

jwchen119 said:
You have to switch to his branch which named "cm12.1" that is 22 commits ahead, but not "master" branch.
ivan and bule have team up already... but I'll ask him about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if they have a team related to hermes we can switch to this if is not for personal choice
I mean to ivan not to xiaomi-dev, this I see the modifications thanks

Gogo guys ill can do the beta testing hehe

Hello Namaless,
I'm novice but I'm interesed in the integration of the ANT+ support currently in CM. If I can help you...

In this moment i follow the aicp ROM, this working fine for me, its useless have many projects without one complete.
When we have a source for aicp we can integrate

Open Source Right for all :/ ( I don't think mods care about it anymore )

@Darth @Heisenberg Open source is right For all :/ I learned from xda and if you all remember I had my first thread closed for it too. (Kernel thread) .... Well let's stop the intro and talk straight this Thread by @ED300 Cm13.0 by ed300 has all Obsolete and Non updated sources It doesn't even contains device tree :/ and Obsolate Kernel tree too if you check his kernel Compiled date. plus Vendor By floromu has no camera vendor And Blobs As well for adreno blah blah one have to use openssl concept for it ... That means the sources on ops thered are either not updated and I remember I read somewhere that GPL sources should be published but why op @ED300 didnt ? That's sad ! Am I fool trying to make Device tree from Lettuce Jalebi and Make ROMs For this device and open source it for public I just want to ask that when I will be able to see the correct device tree and Vendor source :/ on our OPs thread first of all let me Make few things clear Latest sources By Floromu 6-7month old are way obsolete than cm structure latest Structure is here check this
Link :- https://gitlab.com/dev-harsh1998/android_device_lenovo_a6000/tree/master
Well that means ROM can't be compiled On Floromu's tree
And as Says our op has elberry 6 latest Patch interesting
point 2:- Kernel sources :- dated 6 months old
Compiled Date xyz with unlocked freqs and wake Gesture.
I have No hate For @ED300 I just want our op to opemsource his GPL things And follow proper Rules

Sir,
You've reported nothing on this, using the proper report system. Also, accusations like this tend to fall under rule 12 here, http://forum.xda-developers.com/announcement.php?a=81
Have you privately brought this up to the person you're accusing? Did it not lead anywhere?
Then gather clear evidence and click report on the OP of the thread in question. That is the proper way to handle these things .
Creating drama in threads, or opening a thread like this is NOT how to handle these situations. And accusing mods and xda of not caring? Yet you've not followed the steps above? That's ridiculous I'd have to say.
Read rule 12, follow procedures listed and if you report it, bring evidence.
This thread is closed. And please don't stir up drama publicly in the future. :good:
Darth
Senior Moderator

dev_harsh1998 said:
@Darth @Heisenberg Open source is right For all :/ I learned from xda and if you all remember I had my first thread closed for it too. (Kernel thread) .... Well let's stop the intro and talk straight this Thread by @ED300 Cm13.0 by ed300 has all Obsolete and Non updated sources It doesn't even contains device tree :/ and Obsolate Kernel tree too if you check his kernel Compiled date. plus Vendor By floromu has no camera vendor And Blobs As well for adreno blah blah one have to use openssl concept for it ... That means the sources on ops thered are either not updated and I remember I read somewhere that GPL sources should be published but why op @ED300 didnt ? That's sad ! Am I fool trying to make Device tree from Lettuce Jalebi and Make ROMs For this device and open source it for public I just want to ask that when I will be able to see the correct device tree and Vendor source :/ on our OPs thread first of all let me Make few things clear Latest sources By Floromu 6-7month old are way obsolete than cm structure latest Structure is here check this
Link :- https://gitlab.com/dev-harsh1998/android_device_lenovo_a6000/tree/master
Well that means ROM can't be compiled On Floromu's tree
And as Says our op has elberry 6 latest Patch interesting
point 2:- Kernel sources :- dated 6 months old
Compiled Date xyz with unlocked freqs and wake Gesture.
I have No hate For @ED300 I just want our op to opemsource his GPL things And follow proper Rules
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also,
XDA doesn't require things like vendor files and device trees to be published, as they are not licensed under the GPL but rather Apache 2.0 (like the rest of Android). Apache allows you to close source things if you want, there is no publishing requirement, just that you still have the license applied to the file. Only kernel source is required to be published due to GPL.
Thanks @nathanchance :good:

XDA-Developers and the GPL

Dear Developers
I'm sure you already heard about the GPL around the forums. In case you did not, the GPL ("GNU General Public License") is the most common license that affects many projects, like the Linux Kernel (the Linux Kernel is licensed under the GPLv2). This affects us, XDA and its members, as we are often working with the Linux Kernel (every Android platform runs on top of the Linux Kernel).
You may ask yourself now "Well, that's nice, but how does this affect me and what does the GPL do?" The answer is pretty simple actually: The GPL guarantees users to examine, modify and share their and others code by enforcing open-sourceness. This means you are free to use any GPL'ed sourcecode for your project, but you must make your used code publically available again.
Now, as many advantages this has, it also means quite some work for us developers. All used sources must be completely public by the time the compiled binary (like a Kernel) goes online. Another requirement is, that the OP must include all information to compile the exact same binary as uploaded by the developer. This means you need to specify:
The used toolchain including its version (linking to your toolchain source is always a good idea)
The used defconfig
The link to your sourcecode (including the used branch, tags,...)
If used, also upload your scripts used for the compilation
If you upload a kernel, publish the source, but the source is not compilable, it means you are breaking the GPL as you did not release the used source. Breaking the GPL actually means breaking the law, which means the sanctions on XDA could possibly be the least of your problems...
Example:
GPL:
- Used sources (cm-10.1 branch)
- Used defconfig
- Used toolchain
- Used scripts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ROM devs, using a precompiled kernel
As you are not compiling the kernel yourself, you do not have to give the above information. However, you have to link to the source of your kernel binary (for example: link to the OP of the used kernel). If you use the stock kernel, you must state this. Linking to the stock sources is not a requirement, but it is not the worst idea.
Keep in mind; if the kernel used is not GPL compliant, your ROM is not GPL compliant either. This may cause your thread to be closed and/or further action on your account may be taken.
Example:
GPL:
The kernel included in this ROM is located HERE. I have not altered anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you need/want further information, you might want to take a look at THIS news article written by our Developer Admin pulser_g2