[jira] [Created] (LEGAL-228) Optional Java Use for Essential Functionality

["Dennis E. Hamilton (JIRA)" <ji...@apache.org>]

Dennis E. Hamilton created LEGAL-228:
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             Summary: Optional Java Use for Essential Functionality
                 Key: LEGAL-228
                 URL: https://issues.apache.org/jira/browse/LEGAL-228
             Project: Legal Discuss
          Issue Type: Question
            Reporter: Dennis E. Hamilton


This may not be a legal question but a practice question.

At <http://www.apache.org/legal/resolved.html#optional>, the use of an optional dependency is explained with regard to the quality of the result when the option is not exercised.  Namely, 

"[I]f the component is only needed for optional features, a project can provide the user with instructions on how to obtain and install the non-included work. Optional means that the component is not required for standard use of the product or for the product to achieve a desirable level of quality. The question to ask yourself in this situation is:

"• 'Will the majority of users want to use my product without adding the optional components?' "

In the specific case of Apache OpenOffice, the Java JRE is not distributed and it is not necessarily found on the platform in the form that AOO requires to exercise its optional dependencies on Java.  I don't know whether redistributing a JRE is inappropriate, although I would think so. 

The key facet is that there are *essential* functionalities that are only available if a suitable JRE is present.  Users only discover that essentiality by failures that arise when attempting to exercise certain functions.

Granting that the usability and awareness of what requires a JRE could be handled better, does this dependency in AOO fall under this provision of the legal FAQ?



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