installing source code*

[magrute]

was wondering if anyone had any good advice on installing source code?
i have read many things about it but it was pretty much just to confusing to get a grasp on. any help would be appriciated

[craftyc]

I know what you mean. I think if you take a look at Linux.com, and dig around there is something there that might help you. I cna't remember the exact link so sorry about that.

[magrute]

ya it's very confusing and i am just not gettin it by reading some shit.it's very frustrating sometimes

[Zone-MR]

I presume you mean you want to install a package supplied as source code and not as binaries?

Well, sometimes it varies, but the general procedure is as follows.

1. If the file comes as a tar.gz file, you need to extract it. This can be done by typing "tar -zxf tarname". After this is done you change to the directory where the files went using the cd command.

2. Most source code distributions come with a script that compiles and installs the program. Type "make" at the shell and press enter. If all goes well, you should see the program being compiled.

3. Check if the program comes with an install script. Type "make install" at the shell. If you get an error, do an "ls" to see all files and see if the make command created an exceutable file. If it did, it can be launched by typing "./filename".

Good luck!

[magrute]

thanx Zone-MR i will try that.
do you mean ./filename or /filename, in otherwords with or without the period?

[Zone-MR]

With the period - ./filename

Typing /filename would attempt to reference filename in the / directory, which is the root directory. Typing ./filename attempts to find the file in the current directory.

If you are fammilliar with DOS the principal is very similar, . references the current directory, .. means go up a directory etc. For example typing ../../filename will try to find the filename two directories up, so it you are in /usr/magrute/somepath, it would look in /usr.

Hope this helps.

[kamikazee]

My biggest problem right now is i get a no viewer error?? I have absolutely no idea bout this???? HELP please??