Yes, if you’re using com.itextpdf.text.pdf.PdfReader from the iText library in a Java application, you will need a license depending on the intended use of your application.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Commercial or Closed-Source Projects:
- iText is a commercially licensed library for applications that are closed-source or proprietary. If your application is for internal business use, a client, or is distributed without sharing the source code, you’ll need to acquire a commercial license.
- The commercial license covers compliance and gives you access to support and the latest security and feature updates.
- Open Source Projects (AGPL License):
- iText is also available under the AGPL (Affero General Public License), which allows usage in open-source applications. However, under AGPL, you must make the entire application’s source code available to users if you distribute the application.
- The AGPL license requires that all derivative works using iText must also be licensed under AGPL, meaning your application’s source code must be open and accessible.
For more information on licensing and compliance, you can visit iText’s official licensing page: iText Licensing.
Using iText without a proper license in commercial or closed-source applications may result in legal issues, so acquiring the correct license is crucial if you plan to use PdfReader and other classes in a professional setting.