Related link: http://kerneltrap.org/node.php?id=444

A new argument has blown up around the license for free use of BitKeeper, the version control system popular with Linus Torvalds and other Linux kernel hackers.

One clause appears to prevent free use if you develop
competing revision control software: this, presumably, would include contribution to the CVS or Subversion open source projects. You would however be entitled to use the BitKeeper software if you paid for it.

Opinion seems polarized: it’s either no big deal, or a big sin against the free software movement. Read the discussion over at KernelTrap.

The story in quick links:

• Larry McVoy of BitKeeper tells Ben Collins he can’t use the free version
• Branden Robinson tells the Debian project that some of its developers may be vulnerable to this clause in the license.
• Reaction
  and comment on Slashdot

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