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It's no problem to use GPL software to develop commercial software. If it were the vast majority of software would be open source as some of the most popular compiler toolchains are primarily or wholly open source.

What you cannot do, however, is modify GPL software, as you're then creating a derivative work which must legally also bear the GPL license.

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Yes, that is correct. My question was about using the R programming language and its libraries rather than RStudio.

If you create a program that uses any of the GPL licensed R libraries, that program must also be GPL licensed [1].

Additionally, the GPL license prohibits using GPL licensed software in proprietary systems [2].

[1]: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#IfLibraryIsGPL

[2]: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#GPLInProprietarySy...

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