[moocowtruck]

https://github.com/uutils/coreutils/search?q=gnu "This is the way it was implemented in GNU split." i dunno maybe there are cases where they copy more than behavior... but interesting to look through

[okl]

There are more examples, here is one:

  // a few global constants as used in the GNU implementation

[danudey]

It's pretty easy to ask someone "Hey, can you go take a look at GNU split and see how they handle this case?" and then implement your own clean-room solution afterwards.

Alternately, to solve the problem yourself and mention it to someone and have them say "that's how GNU split does it, so why not?"

[eximius]

Isn't that, by definition, not a clean-room solution?

[moonchild]

‘Clean-room reverse engineering’ refers to the practice of having one person look at disassembled source code, spec sheets, actual behaviour, etc. of some program; describe that behaviour to a second person; and having the second person implement the described behaviour.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_wall#Reverse_engineeri...

[eximius]

Ah, that's interesting! I didn't know that was a sufficient insulation of IP.

[moocowtruck]

yea seems pretty easy then right, sounds like no source that is available for eyes to see is safe from 'clean room reverse engineering'