What is this compiler for Android?

General FreeBASIC programming questions.
Post Reply
jepalza
Posts: 149
Joined: Feb 24, 2010 10:08
Location: Spain (Bilbao)

What is this compiler for Android?

Post by jepalza »

Did found this:
https://kappsmart.com/basiccompiler/

Is this any from Freebasic?

in some of pictures from "android market", you see options like into FB for selected compiler "FB" and "-lang"
https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... ngcompiler

But is only demo, not full version. For full version, you must paid por it.
:shock:

edit: did probe it. Some of option for compile are "fb", "qb", "fblite" and "deprecated"!!!!
coderJeff
Site Admin
Posts: 4313
Joined: Nov 04, 2005 14:23
Location: Ontario, Canada
Contact:

Re: What is this compiler for Android?

Post by coderJeff »

It's junk IMO, like the other offered compiler by the author.
Limitations:
- Internet connection is required for compilation
- Maximum program running time is 20s
- Some file system, network and graphics functions may be limited
- This is a batch compiler; interactive programs are not supported. If your program provides an input prompt, enter the input in the Input tab prior to compilation. See the Reference tab in the app for code examples
Not affiliated with FreeBASIC Development Team or FreeBASIC compiler project.
caseih
Posts: 2157
Joined: Feb 26, 2007 5:32

Re: What is this compiler for Android?

Post by caseih »

The play store description says they use FreeBasic, and that the compiler itself is under the GPL (v2). This is an acceptable use of a GPL'd binary in a proprietary, closed-source application. They are essentially selling a proprietary editor/mini-IDE that executes fbc to compile and run the programs. It's not linked to FB, nor is it a derivative work in the sense of the terms of the GPLv2. If you asked for the source code for FB, they would be able to either give it to you, or point you at the FBC git page.

EDIT: whether the are using FBC on the android device itself, or turning the FBC compiler into a service on their web site, the GPLv2 has not been violated, but these "loop holes" in the GPL are part of the reason for the GPLv3.

As an aside years ago, Tivo built a digital TV recorder product using Linux as the OS and embedding many GPLv2 tools in their firmware. The fact that GPL'd software existed inside a locked firmware blob that could not be modified or even accessed by end users rankled some, but the fact was, they offered the source code for all their GPL'd binaries and complied with the terms of the GPL, even though the source code was useless to end users in that case because you couldn't modify the Tivo firmware in any way. This essentially made open source code proprietary and closed source for all intents and purposes. This did truly violate the spirit of the GPL and open source in general, but they did follow the letter of the license, so there was nothing that disaffected people, including developers of the software Tive was including, could do. This ended up being called the "Tivo-ization" of open source, and was the primary motivation for the GPLv3 which strives to ensure that the ability to modify and replace embedded GPL'd code (regardless of whether it's linked to or merely bundled) is preserved.

With the advent of "Software as a service" we've now seen a whole new form of tivo-ization. One that's a bit harder to work around, unfortunately.
Last edited by caseih on May 29, 2022 17:02, edited 1 time in total.
jepalza
Posts: 149
Joined: Feb 24, 2010 10:08
Location: Spain (Bilbao)

Re: What is this compiler for Android?

Post by jepalza »

Good explanation, thank you. Now I understand it better.

This demo is No good for advanced users.
Lost Zergling
Posts: 534
Joined: Dec 02, 2011 22:51
Location: France

Re: What is this compiler for Android?

Post by Lost Zergling »

Regarding lzle licence, no problem using the 'Openware' licence till compiled using FB.
FB as a service should be a great news as soon as the more the langage is used, the best it shall be !
VictimRLSH
Posts: 5
Joined: May 26, 2022 2:18

Re: What is this compiler for Android?

Post by VictimRLSH »

The DOS version of the FBC runs under aFreeBOX on Android.
coderJeff
Site Admin
Posts: 4313
Joined: Nov 04, 2005 14:23
Location: Ontario, Canada
Contact:

Re: What is this compiler for Android?

Post by coderJeff »

moved to general
Post Reply