/ncftp-3.2.5/doc/READLINE.txt

 1This version of NcFTP does not support GNU Readline (nor will future
 2versions).  It does include an integrated command line editor, "getline."
 3It has been enhanced by me to include a mini-VI emulation and support
 4for tab completion, so for most users, "getline" will serve as a capable
 5replacement.
 6
 7So, why isn't Readline supported, even as a configurable option?
 8
 9(1)  Readline's license was not compatible with NcFTP's, even though NcFTP
10has been a free program since its genesis in 1991.  NcFTP's license has
11been revised since then, but I don't want to re-integrate support for it.
12
13(2)  The getline code is lean and mean, whereas Readline is rather
14bloated.  (NcFTP is about 100k smaller when linked with getline!)
15
16(3) Hardly anyone should miss Readline, since getline now supports
17almost all the functionality NcFTP was using from Readline.
18
19(4)  I didn't feel like bothering with Readline for the Win32 port.