The compiler doesn't leave its own code in the software or link proprietary libraries with it, the source code is exactly the same one I used throughout the development process, everyone is free to access and modify the source code, but no one can actually build a modified version of the software unless they have bought a license to use the compiler. Am I allowed to release my software under the GPL in this case?I checked the GPL FAQ on the GNU site, but couldn't find an answer.
Can I release software under the GPL if it must be built with a proprietary compiler?
licensing;gpl;source code
The GNU GPL FAQ has some related questions:Can I link a GPL program with a proprietary system library?Can I write free software that uses non-free libraries?I'd like to incorporate GPL-covered software in my proprietary system. I have no permission to use that software except what the GPL gives me. Can I do this?What legal issues come up if I use GPL-incompatible libraries with GPL software? (GPLv3)What legal issues come up if I use GPL-incompatible libraries with GPL software? (GPLv2).The first question appears the most relevant.The definition of System Library varies between GPL v2 and GPL v3.GPL v2 has this to say about System Libraries, which include Compilers:However, as a special exception, the source code distributed need not include anything that is normally distributed (in either source or binary form) with the major components (compiler, kernel, and so on) of the operating system on which the executable runs, unless that component itself accompanies the executable.GPL v3 is more explicit and defines a compiler as a Major Component. These are excluded from the Corresponding Source for a work, which is the source code needed to generate, install, and run the object code. This is defined in Section 1 Source Code of the license.You are OK to release your source code under the GPL. However, there is this notion of the Free World, which only uses free software and libraries. Purists may reject your software in favor of other software, if they can, simply because of the dependency on non-free compilers. But that may not be a concern to you.