Re:Show HN: Mantic.sh – Search 480k files in 0.46s without e...
by marcoaapfortes on Wednesday January 07, 2026 @06:03AM
(#46524940)
Thanks for the correction, you’re right that I mixed up LGPL and AGPL there. I haven’t updated the license yet but I plan to adjust it so it better matches the usage model and doesn’t create the “everything must be open source” issue you mentioned. Really appreciate you pointing it out. Thanks Mike!
Re:Show HN: Mantic.sh – Search 480k files in 0.46s without e...
by mike_hearn on Wednesday January 07, 2026 @10:02AM
(#46527137)
You're welcome!
LGPL is for libraries: you can use an LGPLd program in proprietary software, but you have to make the source of the LGPLd program with modifications available if you distribute it. It doesn't infect the rest of the program, and it doesn't have any clauses that trigger for SaaS scenarios.
Your current explanation doesn't jive with my understanding the AGPL. For example, you cannot realistically sell a service that incorporates an AGPLd component because it'd require you to open source the entire service.