Python deployment options.

[sturlamolden]

Fuzzyman wrote:

> I think that is an incorrect reading of the thread.
>
> The *Python* developers need a valid Visual Studio license to
> redistribute msvcr71.dll.
>
> When you build an app with py2exe you are just bundling Python with
> your application and so don't need the license.


Here is a summary of my understanding of the "problem", mind you that I
am not a lawayer:

The Python.org developers use a properly licensed VC7 to build Python.
Under the EULA they can redistribute msvcr71.dll along with Python.
Anyone can distribute Python from Python.org, and msvcr71.dll is a part
of this software. Thus, it is at least legally to distribute a Python
MSI installer from Python.org. If you make a Python program, you can
distribute Python along with the program. I.e. you don't need a VC7
license to sell software that someone else has made and includes
msvcr71.dll.

For Py2Exe things are a bit more complicated. It rips
Python.Runtime.dll from the Python directory, and renames it
Python24.dll. Python24.dll then depends on msvcr71.dll. It's not
obvious that one can still legally distribute msvcr71.dll along with
Python24.dll, even if  Python.Runtime.dll was built with a legally
licensed VC7. It is possible that Python24.dll or  msvcr71.dll in the
process looses it status as licensee software from Python.org's VC7.The
Python.org team don't care about the issue, it seems. If they did care,
they could settle the issue by putting up a zip-file with Python24.dll
and msvcr71.dll for download. I don't think they quite understand how
important Py2Exe is on Windows.

Buying a VC7 license is cheaper than paying a lawyer that understands
the problem. However, even with a VC7 license you can only redistribute
msvcr71.dll with software you build your self - so you need to build
Python your self and not use a Python24.dll ripped from Python.org's
Python distro. But then ... who cares?

Microsoft wants you to make software for their OS. They even have their
own version of Python for free download (aka IronPython). A MS lawyer
harassing you for legal details regarding msvcr71.dll is beyond
unlikely, although you never know. You can play nice and ask Microsoft
for permission to put msvcr71.dll inside your Py2Exe'd Python app.
Whether they will respond or grant permission I don't know.

Finally, patent issues are more important when making software for a
living. Are you sure nobody has a broad patent covering parts of your
software? These are often held by parasitic companies that use broad
software patents as spider webs to catch prey. They will suck blood
from you if they can, and give you less than nothing in return,
something Microsoft probably will not do. Microsoft makes and sells
software, including the Windows operating system, patent sharks just
thrive off their patents. Being sued by one of those are far more
likely.