From: utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!C70:info-cpm Newsgroups: fa.info-cpm Title: Hacking up public domain software Article-I.D.: ucb.1696 Posted: Wed Aug 4 12:59:18 1982 Received: Thu Aug 5 04:38:41 1982 >From KLUDGE@Mit-Mc Wed Aug 4 12:59:06 1982 As one who has been hacking Ron Cain's C compiler, with intentions of selling the end result, I feel the need to respond to Roger's comments. I agree that it is basically immoral to sell something that is available for free. However, if there is value added to the item, additional value for which people are willing to pay, things begin to get fuzzy. When does a program cease being a "modified" version, and become a "new" program. I don't know how other folks operate, but I borrow from my old programs as much as possible when I write a new one. Makes little sense to rewrite a function when it's already written. If the function borrowed comes from a public domain program, and I sell my program, I don't feel like I'm ripping anyone off; on the contrary, I'm saving the customer money because I can sell the program cheaper, having taken less time to write it. Things are even fuzzier when dealing with a programming tool. I am forever indebted to Ron Cain for his generosity, as much of what I now know about compilers came from seeing his code. I could not have even attempted the hacking I have done without it. Nevertheless, I am not under any obligation to be as generous. My compiler is radically different, even though some functions appear in their original form. Finally, I plan to offer extensive support, which Ron Cain chose not to do. The Good Book says "give, and you shall receive". Ron cain's generosity has sparked a C language frenzy in the micro world, from which everyone, including Ron, has benefitted. There is a wide choice of compilers, C programs and packages out there now that weren't there before. The lasting benefit which I appreciate most is the generation of compiler hackers that will be ready to tackle the next language challenge.Thanks for your forbearance...Jim