Skip to content
  • Categories
  • Recent
  • Tags
  • Popular
  • World
  • Users
  • Groups
Skins
  • Light
  • Cerulean
  • Cosmo
  • Flatly
  • Journal
  • Litera
  • Lumen
  • Lux
  • Materia
  • Minty
  • Morph
  • Pulse
  • Sandstone
  • Simplex
  • Sketchy
  • Spacelab
  • United
  • Yeti
  • Zephyr
  • Dark
  • Cyborg
  • Darkly
  • Quartz
  • Slate
  • Solar
  • Superhero
  • Vapor

  • Default (No Skin)
  • No Skin
Collapse
Code Project
  1. Home
  2. The Lounge
  3. Random question: Free code

Random question: Free code

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved The Lounge
questionlounge
31 Posts 22 Posters 2 Views 1 Watching
  • Oldest to Newest
  • Newest to Oldest
  • Most Votes
Reply
  • Reply as topic
Log in to reply
This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
  • C Offline
    C Offline
    Chris Maunder
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

    cheers Chris Maunder

    F J D J P 19 Replies Last reply
    0
    • C Chris Maunder

      When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

      cheers Chris Maunder

      F Offline
      F Offline
      fgs1963
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      a Disclaimer: I'm an ardent capitalist.

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • C Chris Maunder

        When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

        cheers Chris Maunder

        J Offline
        J Offline
        Jeremy Falcon
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        It's all about the Benjamins baby. Just realized the link to the song may not be kid sister friendly.

        Jeremy Falcon

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • C Chris Maunder

          When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

          cheers Chris Maunder

          D Offline
          D Offline
          Daniel Pfeffer
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          It means READ THE LICENCE VERY CAREFULLY. RUN IT BY THE COMPANY LAWYER (if applicable).

          Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. -- 6079 Smith W.

          J C 2 Replies Last reply
          0
          • C Chris Maunder

            When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

            cheers Chris Maunder

            J Offline
            J Offline
            jschell
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            I think that someone has not actually looked up to see what the license actually is.

            C 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • C Chris Maunder

              When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

              cheers Chris Maunder

              P Offline
              P Offline
              PIEBALDconsult
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              Code I wrote previously for another project. As a general rule I don't use other people's code.

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • C Chris Maunder

                When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

                cheers Chris Maunder

                M Offline
                M Offline
                MarkTJohnson
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                C. The code's owner gave it a sock.

                I’ve given up trying to be calm. However, I am open to feeling slightly less agitated. I’m begging you for the benefit of everyone, don’t be STUPID.

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • C Chris Maunder

                  When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

                  cheers Chris Maunder

                  H Offline
                  H Offline
                  honey the codewitch
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  I generally classify "free code" as open source code with one of the more permissive licenses like MIT. So maybe not no holds barred, but "free for most practical purposes" is more than good enough for me.

                  Check out my IoT graphics library here: https://honeythecodewitch.com/gfx And my IoT UI/User Experience library here: https://honeythecodewitch.com/uix

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • C Chris Maunder

                    When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

                    cheers Chris Maunder

                    Greg UtasG Offline
                    Greg UtasG Offline
                    Greg Utas
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    (a), since the license may still impose restrictions.

                    Robust Services Core | Software Techniques for Lemmings | Articles
                    The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.

                    <p><a href="https://github.com/GregUtas/robust-services-core/blob/master/README.md">Robust Services Core</a>
                    <em>The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.</em></p>

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • D Daniel Pfeffer

                      It means READ THE LICENCE VERY CAREFULLY. RUN IT BY THE COMPANY LAWYER (if applicable).

                      Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. -- 6079 Smith W.

                      J Offline
                      J Offline
                      jmaida
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      ditto

                      "A little time, a little trouble, your better day" Badfinger

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • C Chris Maunder

                        When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

                        cheers Chris Maunder

                        A Offline
                        A Offline
                        Amarnath S
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        c) The code may have unknown bugs which can potentially be harmful. Or also some unknown non-obvious dependencies.

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • C Chris Maunder

                          When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

                          cheers Chris Maunder

                          C Offline
                          C Offline
                          CPallini
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          b.

                          "In testa che avete, Signor di Ceprano?" -- Rigoletto

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • C Chris Maunder

                            When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think a) The code doesn't cost money b) The code is free to be used in whatever way you want I'm not after a debate. I'm simply curious, after all these years, as to what a typical developer thinks of when they see those words.

                            cheers Chris Maunder

                            T Offline
                            T Offline
                            theoldfool
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            b

                            >64 It’s weird being the same age as old people. Live every day like it is your last; one day, it will be.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • D Daniel Pfeffer

                              It means READ THE LICENCE VERY CAREFULLY. RUN IT BY THE COMPANY LAWYER (if applicable).

                              Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. -- 6079 Smith W.

                              C Offline
                              C Offline
                              charlieg
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              In my experience, I have never seen that done. Further, I seriously doubt most corporate lawyers have a clue as to the technology implications of what they are looking at. There is so much "free" or gnu or open source being used, many times with multiple degrees of freedom, we have no idea what in the hell is going on. Example: we license xyz OS. The company pays that license because it DOES NOT WANT TO KNOW. It hides behind the license. This goes on all the time. Remember the DDOS attack from doorbells? I'm sitting in my office next to the kitchen. I have a smart refrigerator (that I've never connected to) and a smart dishwasher (that I've not connected to) and I think a smart washing machine (that I've...). I can guarantee you that all of them have free/gnu software in them. I'm getting to the point where I despise my smart phone, but I admit to being an old curmudgeon.

                              Charlie Gilley “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” BF, 1759 Has never been more appropriate.

                              D J 2 Replies Last reply
                              0
                              • J jschell

                                I think that someone has not actually looked up to see what the license actually is.

                                C Offline
                                C Offline
                                Chris Maunder
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                The bit I quoted? I want to understand everyone's thoughts here, and if I'm misinterpreting something please clarify it here. This is solely about the ethics of requiring freedom in the use of software. I've spent 25 years working to spread software as far and wide as possible. The issue is very, very close to the heart for me.

                                cheers Chris Maunder

                                C J 2 Replies Last reply
                                0
                                • C charlieg

                                  In my experience, I have never seen that done. Further, I seriously doubt most corporate lawyers have a clue as to the technology implications of what they are looking at. There is so much "free" or gnu or open source being used, many times with multiple degrees of freedom, we have no idea what in the hell is going on. Example: we license xyz OS. The company pays that license because it DOES NOT WANT TO KNOW. It hides behind the license. This goes on all the time. Remember the DDOS attack from doorbells? I'm sitting in my office next to the kitchen. I have a smart refrigerator (that I've never connected to) and a smart dishwasher (that I've not connected to) and I think a smart washing machine (that I've...). I can guarantee you that all of them have free/gnu software in them. I'm getting to the point where I despise my smart phone, but I admit to being an old curmudgeon.

                                  Charlie Gilley “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” BF, 1759 Has never been more appropriate.

                                  D Offline
                                  D Offline
                                  Daniel Pfeffer
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  In my place of work we are required to run every licence, including licences for "free" software, past Legal. They are pretty good at understanding the ramifications of the.various licences. A licence is a form of contract, and contracts are their break, butter, and jam.

                                  Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. -- 6079 Smith W.

                                  C 1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • D Daniel Pfeffer

                                    In my place of work we are required to run every licence, including licences for "free" software, past Legal. They are pretty good at understanding the ramifications of the.various licences. A licence is a form of contract, and contracts are their break, butter, and jam.

                                    Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. -- 6079 Smith W.

                                    C Offline
                                    C Offline
                                    charlieg
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    yet the issue remains, and I admit going on a rabbit trail from the original post. The tertiary issues are incredible - and I'm talking from an engineering perspective. The licensing and legal issues are trivial. Honestly, there is so much incest with gnu/free/etc code and private party that the horse left the barn a long long time ago.

                                    Charlie Gilley “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” BF, 1759 Has never been more appropriate.

                                    D 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • C Chris Maunder

                                      The bit I quoted? I want to understand everyone's thoughts here, and if I'm misinterpreting something please clarify it here. This is solely about the ethics of requiring freedom in the use of software. I've spent 25 years working to spread software as far and wide as possible. The issue is very, very close to the heart for me.

                                      cheers Chris Maunder

                                      C Offline
                                      C Offline
                                      charlieg
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      AI changes everything. We don't even know where this is going.

                                      Charlie Gilley “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” BF, 1759 Has never been more appropriate.

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • C charlieg

                                        yet the issue remains, and I admit going on a rabbit trail from the original post. The tertiary issues are incredible - and I'm talking from an engineering perspective. The licensing and legal issues are trivial. Honestly, there is so much incest with gnu/free/etc code and private party that the horse left the barn a long long time ago.

                                        Charlie Gilley “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” BF, 1759 Has never been more appropriate.

                                        D Offline
                                        D Offline
                                        Daniel Pfeffer
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        charlieg wrote:

                                        Honestly, there is so much incest with gnu/free/etc code and private party that the horse left the barn a long long time ago.

                                        There, I agree. When I started work at my current employer, we were not allowed to use any free/open source/public domain code. They only allowed us to use such code after a thorough review of the ramifications, and subject to review by Legal. EDIT: fixed typo

                                        Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows. -- 6079 Smith W.

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • C Chris Maunder

                                          The bit I quoted? I want to understand everyone's thoughts here, and if I'm misinterpreting something please clarify it here. This is solely about the ethics of requiring freedom in the use of software. I've spent 25 years working to spread software as far and wide as possible. The issue is very, very close to the heart for me.

                                          cheers Chris Maunder

                                          J Offline
                                          J Offline
                                          jschell
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          Chris Maunder wrote:

                                          The bit I quoted?

                                          In response to the following when I hear someone say that. "When you hear the term "Free code" do you immediately think" My first thought is that they did not even attempt to determine what the license is. Certainly I have run into more than a couple of people who thought that just because they found it on the internet it was free. Even back in the day people would also claim that because they found it in a book or in a magazine.

                                          C 1 Reply Last reply
                                          0
                                          Reply
                                          • Reply as topic
                                          Log in to reply
                                          • Oldest to Newest
                                          • Newest to Oldest
                                          • Most Votes


                                          • Login

                                          • Don't have an account? Register

                                          • Login or register to search.
                                          • First post
                                            Last post
                                          0
                                          • Categories
                                          • Recent
                                          • Tags
                                          • Popular
                                          • World
                                          • Users
                                          • Groups