Page 1 of 1

Free (but not GPL!) database systems with Fulltext index?

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 1:47 pm
by tomfra
I am working on a project that involves running a database system on the client's PC. I need to be able to bundle the database system together with my product which will not be distributed under GPL, therefore the database system itself must not be GPL. MySQL is out of discussion, I just enquired about their commercial license and was told I would have to pay for one license per one copy of my product sold (or given away unless it's GPL).

Could you please suggest one or more database systems that meet the following criteria?

1. Support for Fulltext indexes
2. Free or reasonable pricing
3. License allows it to be bundled with a commercial product (without having to pay for one license per copy of my product)
4. MS Windows version available
5. Binaries must have reasonable size - Oracle's "Express Edition" does not qualify (is around 150MB)

SQLite would be a great option but it does not offer fulltext indexes, neither does Firebird. So what's left? PostgreSQL? Additionally, it would be great if there was a "stand-alone" version of the database which would not require installation. I have seen something like that for MySQL.

Your suggestions are very welcome!

Tomas

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 1:52 pm
by feyd
is this using PHP or some other language?

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 1:55 pm
by tomfra
It will be using PHP.

Re: Free (but not GPL!) database systems with Fulltext index

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 3:21 pm
by Roja
tomfra wrote:I am working on a project that involves running a database system on the client's PC. I need to be able to bundle the database system together with my product which will not be distributed under GPL, therefore the database system itself must not be GPL.
Keep in mind that as long as the database itself is seperate, and not connected into your product, you are not required to release the product under the gpl.

But presuming the details are such that that isn't possible..
tomfra wrote:So what's left? PostgreSQL?
PGSQL is under the GPL as well.

A large amount of the well-supported free db software is under the GPL these days. I'm not aware of any that fit all your criteria without being under the GPL. As a result, I suggest digging into the assumption that you cannot use GPL software in your solution.

Re: Free (but not GPL!) database systems with Fulltext index

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 3:26 pm
by tomfra
Roja wrote:PGSQL is under the GPL as well.
Nope, PostgreSQL is under BSD: http://www.postgresql.org/about/licence . But I haven't used PostgreSQL before so I know relatively little about it.

Tomas

Re: Free (but not GPL!) database systems with Fulltext index

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 3:30 pm
by Roja
tomfra wrote:
Roja wrote:PGSQL is under the GPL as well.
Nope, PostgreSQL is under BSD: http://www.postgresql.org/about/licence . But I haven't used PostgreSQL before so I know relatively little about it.

Tomas
WOW, I was totally mistaken there! Thank you for the correction!!

I use PGSQL all the time. Its excellent, full-featured, and very similar to MySQL (but without as many shortcomings).

You may stumble on a few of the transition issues, but not many.

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 6:28 pm
by Chris Corbyn
I agree... if you can use MySQL you'll manage Postgres just fine providing you've not always relied upon many of MySQL's non-standard functions etc.