How does the GPL apply if you are using a tool released under the GPL rather than integrating GPL code?
My favorite text editor is [Notepad++][1], which is released under the GPL. On it's home page it explicitly states that... 

> Running in the MS Windows environment,
> its use is governed by GPL License.

I realize that when you build an application that uses GPL code, you must license your application under the GPL as well. But how does the GPL apply when you just want to use tools, but are not incorporating any code? 

Does using Notepad++ to edit the code of a proprietary, closed-source application have any effect on how that application is licensed? 


  [1]: http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/site.htm
How does the GPL apply if you are using a tool released under the GPL rather than integrating GPL code?
===

My favorite text editor is [Notepad++][1], which is released under the GPL. On it's home page it explicitly states that... 

> Running in the MS Windows environment,
> its use is governed by GPL License.

I realize that when you build an application that uses GPL code, you must license your application under the GPL as well. But how does the GPL apply when you just want to use tools, but are not incorporating any code? 

Does using Notepad++ to edit the code of a proprietary, closed-source application have any effect on how that application is licensed? 


  [1]: http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/site.htm