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New Cye Support for Linux!
Brian Chemel wrote in to let us know that all the Cye Robot Map-n-Zap software, the interface, everything, is now being released under the GPL. This is fantastic news for anyone interested in robotics and Linux. Update: 01/24 05:30 by E : Hey, there's cool Java Open Source Cye stuff available at http://www.teambots.org. Rock on, guys.
i wonder if i can modify the source to work on my sister as well?
conraduno
binxdsign
This means that if you only run linux you're out of luck trying to run one of these things. Until now.
One caveat. In the announcement text they state that it is only "known to compile under Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, and makes use of MFC and DirectX." This means that it can't compile under linux without some work.
The benefit is that they uncover all the insides of the software, so you can take whatever pieces you want and implement them any way you want. (including my preference of a command line interface, just imagine, a $600 robot carts location being mapped on an ascii map!!!)
penguinicide... when jumping out a window just won't do.
They said they plan on a rewrite to help platform portability, but that is 6 months away.
Although this source code should make it relatively easy to create the linux support.
penguinicide... when jumping out a window just won't do.
I want to mount machine guns on one and turn it into a Dalek!
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?
"We've chosen to move all of our middleware to a Linux base. Notes, Domino, Websphere, MQ [Series] -- our entire line of middleware software has not only been ported to Linux, but exploits Linux. You'll see us continuing to invest in it."
- IBM senior vice president John M. Thompson, who oversees IBM's $12.7 billion software business.
I think this is a very positive step. Having big development houses like IBM and others brings a lot of money to the table for R&D along with co-branding, co-marketing and all the while Linux gets to ride along. Great stuff!
Never knock on Death's door:
More race stuff in one place,
than any one place on the net.
Hello,
A few comments on why we released our source code. First, it wasn't so we could lay off programmers. We only really have one full time software person, and there's no way we could afford to lose him. Second, it wasn't because the code was too big - we're handling it just fine right now, even with 1.2 people doing software. Part of that statement is true, though. We currently do not have the resources to do linux/Mac development. There are two options then, we can either ignore these communities, as we have been doing, or we can TRY to jump start something by giving away what we have developed, in the hopes that others will take an interest, and develop the software for other platforms, either based on our code, or something completely new, using our code as an example of what CAN be done.
If this happens, do we profit from this? Of course we do. The best part of our job is that we get to build really cool devices, and promote their use. The second part is that we have to sell robots to survive. If our robot works on more platforms, we can sell more robots. So, this isn't a COMPLETELY altruistic decision, but in large part, we WANT others to be able to do cool things with our robots, because we love what we do, and we hope others will have fun with the fruits of our efforts.
Comments/questions can be directed to:
parag@personalrobots.com
Parag
Careful now. If this port only works with the JDK then it may be illegal to redistribute it! The JDK is not free software so it is not compatible with the GPL. Distributing a GPLd application that depends on a GPL-incompatible software is illegal. If your friend asks you for a copy, it would be wrong to give it to him according to the GPL. Just say no. This port is as illegal as KDE.
A Government Is a Body of People, Usually Notably Ungoverned
While having this on Linux might be good, having a Palm port would be amazing. You could hook up the Palm via the serial port and use your Cye anywhere.
-no broken link
I guess nobody at /. recognizes sarcasm when they step in it. All of your arguments in favor of the JDK apply equally well to Qt. Yet Debian still won't include KDE because they consider it to be illegal.
"If that was the case, then GPL'd software would only be legal on a GPL'd operating system."
But the JDK is not included as or with a major component of the operating system.
"Separate components don't have to be GPL'd. I.e., the source can link with another library that isn't GPL'd. Like, oh, Solaris libc."
Then why can't it be linked to Qt?
"But if I link the same software with a proprietary lib, that same GPL'd software is still fine, and no law has been broken."
Then what was that Corel/libapt fiasco all about? Why are there threats to sue KDE for reusing GPL code?
The problem is that people feel they can arbitrarily decide which projects violate the law and which don't. If KDE is illegal, then so is the java Cye port.
A Government Is a Body of People, Usually Notably Ungoverned
That's good to here then. However, I'm wondering if you'll need a special exception to use the new code. Of course, if it can be made to work with Kaffe then everything's hunkydory.
A Government Is a Body of People, Usually Notably Ungoverned
That's a very enlightened decision. Opening up the source code and allowing people to tinker with it is a great way to build interest and encourage people to try out your robots.
So all in all, it's a shrewd business move, good for people who like robots, good for open source software. It would be great if other hardware manufacturers took note and followed your example.
Like I said, respect.
But are any of those JVM's compatible with the GPL?
Of course, I have since learned that JCye is not GPLd, so it doesn't make much different. But considering the KDE boycott and looming lawsuit, I suspect that QPL/GPL compatibility is not the real reason GNUheads hate German desktops.
A Government Is a Body of People, Usually Notably Ungoverned
umm..dude.. Qt is FREE SOFTWARE. Who cares if there is no free alternative when it is ALREADY FREE!
A Government Is a Body of People, Usually Notably Ungoverned
Is this threat and finger really by CmdrTaco?
"The question of whether machines can think is no more interesting than [] whether submarines can swim" - Dijkstra