New Open Source Project

[cbbrowne-HInyCGIudOg at public.gmane.org]

> Anybody's help would be appreciated on the topic of starting a new
> open source project.
> 
> I have a project that I would like to start most likely using the LAMP
> suite and I wanted to find out some info and opinions on what steps I
> should take to get started.
> 
> For instance:
> 1. If the source code is PHP. There are a number of libraries out there with 
> some nice functions. Can this type of code be included without fear of 
> retaliation?
> 2. In most projects that I have looked at there is at least one LICENSE file 
> (GPL agreement). Can I simply use this file together with my project to 
> prevent unorthodox use of the project or parts?
> 3. If I see some useable code in other GPL projects, can I use the code 
> according to the GPL by simply getting written (email) permission to do so?
> 4. If I do get to reuse code, do I have to indicate within the code of my 
> project what lines are reused and from where, or is permission to use (#3) 
> sufficient?
> 5. What other considerations or groundwork does anybody suggest before I leap
> into the world of Open Source project building?

Generally speaking, the point of using the GPL is to allow other people
to reuse the code, so in one sense, all the things you suggest are
relatively "OK."  And please consider that amongst the points of the GPL
are:
  a) To permit people to continue to use the code even if the original
     developers get troublesome/disagreeable;
  b) To permit some potentially unorthodox uses.

It's usually considered pretty important to track and attribute
contributors, mandatory or not, because having use documented is often
valuable to other developers to support grants and academic credit and
such.

It's good think about things from others' perspective...  Things you'd
find insulting if done to you are things others might be insulted by.
And amongst the community of free software developers, offending people
_will_ cause you trouble.
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