Code Q:

Code Q:

How much code from someone else work are you allowed to borrow without getting into legal trouble? I've seen a lot of useful java scripts that could be beneficial to the community, so I was wondering if there's would be any way to re-write that code to make it legally useable, or if there's any other method to apply?

That depends on the code's license. But generally it would come down to all or none, though in between you will find some "but not for commercial purposes".

If you're wanting to integrate code for Zen Cart modules that you're willing to donate to this site, the license would need to be compatible with the GNU GPL license.

Is it possible to rewrite the code but in a different sequence (starting on a blank page)? The code commands in themselves as well as the words should not be copyrighted. In musical arrangements you're allowed to borrow about 4 bars, so I thought this would perhaps apply also to coding? I stumbled upon another paper suggesting the Wheel should not be invented again (if not necessary, and meaning don't build what you may legally already use and/or borrow). I know nothing of this and have been searching a lot on the web, so I just thought I'd ask of your opinions..

/Soniccc

You're framing your question as a test of whether the resulting code is an original composition or a derivative work for copyright violation purposes. It may be that less than or greater than 4 bars for a piece of music would be taken as an indication in some legal jurisdictions, but I'm not aware of any such guidelines for software, or indeed written work generally.

However, in the software world it's usually much more clear cut because of licensing. Most software will carry a copyright header that refers to the license or be bundled with it. And unlike music, there's an awful lot of software that is explicitly licensed to allow you to use it as you wish, including changing it to suit your purposes (usually requiring only that you credit those who went before).

Rather than trying to walk a non-existent tightrope looking for tests that, even if they exist in Sweden, could still leave you open to legal action from other jurisdictions, just check the license and if it say it's OK to use it do. If it says it's not, base your work on something that you are allowed to use this way.

My question was looking for an answer on how to release the distribution under a GPL license. Can you help?

If the original author has published it under a GPL license, then you can redistribute it under GPL. Simple.

If you're trying to merely re-arrange the same thing in a different way to make it not be an exact copy of the original, then you still cannot claim it as your own. If you're using something written/created/invented/designed by someone else, then your question would best be answered by them. Get their permission, and then you don't have to go finding ways to steal it.

Why does everyone think I'm trying to steal someone else's code?????? Would I be asking if stealing was in my mind???

Ok. What books do I need to study to make this happen?? I have no skills or understanding of php, java-scripts and jQuery. I need to learn from the beginning, what would be the best resources to do this?

It's really quite simple.

If the code you want to use is GPL then it will say that - either in a file appended to a download or at the top of the code pages themselves.

If it doesn't say it's GPL then it probably isn't GPL - in which case you cannoty release it as GPL (no matter how much or how little you rearrange it).

Vger

Ok thanks! Is there any books you can recommend on the subject of php, javascripts and jQuery?