*NEW!* Rockbox Font Converter! With GUI!

[motionman95]

I've basically made a remake of the Rockbox Font Converter that already exists in the Wiki. Except that now, its like 20x more user friendly, it has a GUI, and I think I've made it much easier if you're converting multiple files.

Here's how it works:
1.) Specify the directory that contains the ttf/otf file(s) you wish to convert
2.) Specify the font size
3.) Press "Convert"!

The progress window (launched after you press "Convert") gives a very detailed description of what file is currently being converted, as well as the overall and current file percentage of completion. Also, it includes no additional files! Just one exe, and you can easily convert fonts!

Should I create a Wiki page for it?

Download:
Edit: Link removed until proper licensing is established.

Here's two screenshots!

Please, test it to the fullest, and notify me of the bugs! Feature suggestions are welcome!

[Llorean]

Which font converter is this based on? Where's the license? Is there source code?

[motionman95]

Which font converter is this based on?

http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/RockboxFontConvertor

Where's the license?

Uhhh.....

Is there source code?

Yes, but I've decided not to post it.

[Llorean]

"Uhh...." is not an appropriate answer.

Did you use the code of any previous program (if it's based on one, it sounds like the answer is yes). If so, what was the previous program's license that gave you permission to do so, and what license is your new code under?

These are questions that must be answered.

And if it includes parts of convbdf (which it seems to have to, since it's a single executable that's doing its job) then it needs to be GPLv2+ compatible, and you need to release the source code when someone requests it (such as me doing so, now).

I've removed the link for now as per the standard policy of not allowing copyright violations on the forums. When you clear it up, we can put it back.

[motionman95]

I didn't use any of his code. I just read the wiki page, and after viewing the thread, I discovered what his method was. So to make it clear, I DID NOT TAKE ANY OF HIS CODE. I simple used his method. And to make that even clearer, I've coded this application in a completely different language.

However, the Convbdf and otf2bdf executable is embedded in my application.
Also, earlier when you asked "Where's the license?", I was confused, because I didn't know I needed a license.

[AlexP]

I'm no expert, but that then seems to me to say that you need to release the source code under GPLv2+ as you have embedded convbdf which is under the GPLv2+

[motionman95]

Are you sure?

[cool_walking_]

Does that count?  Isn't that pretty much the same as including convbdf and his program in a ZIP archive together?

EDIT: Hmm.

However, in many cases you can distribute the GPL-covered software alongside your proprietary system. To do this validly, you must make sure that the free and non-free programs communicate at arms length, that they are not combined in a way that would make them effectively a single program.

The difference between this and “incorporating” the GPL-covered software is partly a matter of substance and partly form. The substantive part is this: if the two programs are combined so that they become effectively two parts of one program, then you can't treat them as two separate programs. So the GPL has to cover the whole thing.

I think the way convbdf is embedded makes the font converter effectively one program, thus placing it under the GPL.

[motionman95]

I guess so...although, it's not exactly embedded. When you run the program, it extracts the 2 exe's to the user's harddrive, and runs then runs them using a hidden command prompt. Do you think I still should place it under GPL? The earlier rockbox font converter was pretty much the same...

[JdGordon]

thats not embedding at all then you're fine (i tihnk)...

however... it would be nice to contribute back to the comunity and put up the source with an acceptable license so it could maybe be added into svn and rbutil

[Llorean]

They're embedded since it's one file that contains the converters. Even if it copies parts of itself to disk, and runs them from disk, then deletes them, they're still embedded in it.

Notice the use of the word "effectively." This is "effectively" a single program in that the user downloads on .exe that contains all the functionality.

I'm pretty sure to avoid this, he'd have to distribute his front end as a completely separate program, without embedding the other tools inside of it. You'd need to download an archive with his executable and the other two, similar to how the one he linked keeps the programs as separate files.

[rasher]

I agree with Llorean. You need to share the source.

Why are you so reluctant to do so anyway? It's in the spirit of Rockbox, and it will make sure your program will still be useful even if you stop caring about it - then other people could keep it updated (plus a million other benefits).

[cool_walking_]

The earlier rockbox font converter was pretty much the same...

There are a couple of differences.
1. The "makefont.bat" script is, by virtue of being a batch script, open-source.
2. It *sits on top of* convbdf and otf2bdf - if you want to, you can run convbdf and otf2bdf directly.

[motionman95]

I agree with Llorean. You need to share the source.

Why are you so reluctant to do so anyway?

It's not exactly reluctance, it's just that I don't think anyone here uses the language it's coded in...but hey, you never know. Sooo...here it is.   (It's in zip format, with an included README)

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?gm25jnz1zmw

Edit: Llorean, can I now put the compiled exe back up?

Can I? 

[Llorean]

It should be okay, yes as long as you comply with the GPL (in terms of providing your own license notification, etc).