open_source.txt

"SPARTA WWW Site"_sws :c
:link(sws,index.html)

:line

Open-Source Distribution :h3

SPARTA comes with no warranty of any kind.  As each source file
states in its header, it is a copyrighted code that is distributed
free-of-charge, under the terms of the "GNU Public License"_gnu (GPL),
or sometimes (by request) under the terms of the "GNU Lesser General
Public License (LGPL)"_gnu2.  This is often referred to as open-source
distribution - see "www.gnu.org"_gnuorg or
"www.opensource.org"_opensource.  The legal text of the GPL or LGPL is
in the LICENSE file that is included in the SPARTA distribution.

:link(gnu,http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html)
:link(gnu2,http://www.gnu.org/licenses/lgpl-2.1.html)
:link(gnuorg,http://www.gnu.org)
:link(opensource,http://www.opensource.org)

Here is a summary of what the GPL means for SPARTA users:

(1) Anyone is free to use, modify, or extend SPARTA in any way they
choose, including for commercial purposes.

(2) If you distribute a modified version of SPARTA, it must remain
open-source, meaning you distribute it under the terms of the GPL.
You should clearly annotate such a code as a derivative version of
SPARTA.

(3) If you release any code that includes SPARTA source code, then it
must also be open-sourced, meaning you distribute it under the terms
of the GPL.

(4) If you give SPARTA files to someone else, the GPL LICENSE file and
source file headers (including the copyright and GPL notices) should
remain part of the code.

:line

In the spirit of an open-source code, these are various ways you can
contribute to making SPARTA better.  You can send email to the
"authors"_authors.html on any of these items.

If you write/add a new feature to the code, let us know and we can
include it in the general distribution.  :ulb,l

If you find a bug, please report it. :l

If you perform an interesting calculation with SPARTA or write a paper
using SPARTA results, let us know and we can include a brief
description, image, movie and citation to your paper on the "SPARTA
web pages"_sws. :l

Send an email if you find an error or omission in the "SPARTA
documentation"_doc/Manual.html, or have a suggestion for something to
clarify or include. :l

Point prospective users to the "SPARTA web site"_sws or link to it
from your web site. :l

Cash.  Small denominations, unmarked bills preferred.  Please leave in
paper sack on desk.  "VISA"_email also accepted.  Chocolate chip
cookies encouraged. :ule,l

:link(pd,doc/Manual.html)
:link(email,mailto:sjplimp@gmail.com)