this post was submitted on 08 Mar 2024
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I am forced to use some proprietary software at work. The software lets users export custom functionalities. You can then share these to other users. I have made some that are pretty simple, but greatly enhance the use of the application using its native tooling.

I'd like to share mine under some sort of open source licence rather than being ambiguous. Mostly to spread awareness of the concept of open source which is at approximately 0% right now.

What are the considerations here? Can I use the GPL or is it inherently out of compliance since you need a proprietary software to run it?

The employer doesn't claim any intellectual property rights over my work product. I'm not able to find anywhere that the proprietary vendor does either. But I haven't gone through everything with a fine tooth comb. What language would I be looking for?

Advice appreciated. Obviously it can only be general as many details are missing. I just don't understand the details of licences very well.

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[–] linuxPIPEpower@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 7 months ago

Thanks, great answer!

I couldn't possibly obtain access to this software any way except through the employer. They only sell it to people in the industry and it's too niche to pirate. It also only works in context of other stuff that would be impossible to reproduce.

I will think on it... I don't even know who would be able to make a decision like that on behalf of the employer and since it's unlikely it has ever come up before probably nobody does. I'd probably end up sitting in front of the Big Boss trying to explain what open source is and why I am spending their time on it and why a license means anything.