What exactly do I need to build software from source???

[Johnny England]

Hello all... I have run into a few issues with installing software packages from source. I am running Fedora 8, and would like to build the latest, or near-latest, release of, for example, Banshee (1.00 or later). Every time I begin to build, I run into packages that I do not have, or errors that I am not quite sure what to do with. Is there just a general list of packages that I need in order to build most software from source? Also, what exactly do I need to use as far as commands go? I have used ./configure, make, and make-install... but again, I run into trouble.

Thank you in advance.

Johnny England

[DavidMcCann]

Firstly, do you really need to build the very latest Banshee? Won't the repository version do? If you get programs from the repository, you not only avoid the sort of problems you've run into, but you have an easy way to keep them updated later on.

When it comes to building from source, I'm afraid it's just a fact of life that some compile and install like clockwork, others have you tearing your hair. The README or INSTALL file with the source should tell you what you need, and it's worth reading the software's home page on the web. If the author forgets to tell you something, all you can do is start over and get the missing package. The list of possible package that might be used is far to large to be listed. In some cases, the problem is not that you haven't got it, but that the latest version of the program requires the latest version of the dependency: another problem that the repository system avoids.

As for errors reported when you try to compile, if you don't know what they mean then you're unlikely to be able to fix them! Report them, exactly, to wherever the programs bugs are supposed to be reported to and hope for the best. If you get a program via Sourceforge, you may find it has a discussion group there where you can raise your problems. You can always try the Software section here!

[brebs]

Compile using koji src rpm. See docs.

[forkbomb]

Originally Posted by Johnny England

Hello all... I have run into a few issues with installing software packages from source. I am running Fedora 8, and would like to build the latest, or near-latest, release of, for example, Banshee (1.00 or later). Every time I begin to build, I run into packages that I do not have, or errors that I am not quite sure what to do with. Is there just a general list of packages that I need in order to build most software from source? Also, what exactly do I need to use as far as commands go? I have used ./configure, make, and make-install... but again, I run into trouble.

Thank you in advance.

Johnny England

The short answer is this: you'll definitely need a compiler (usually gcc) and make. You'll need devel libs for any dependency libs (for example, if what you're building depends on cairo, you'd want to run "yum install cairo-devel"). Depending on the software, you may need the kernel headers or even full kernel source, but that's usually for software that runs using loaded kernel modules.

You mention that you "run into packages that I do not have, or errors that I am not quite sure what to do with". First, you could try posting your errors here and somebody could probably tell within a few seconds what you're missing.

Second, if the configure script says something like "couldn't find foobar" or whatever, usually you'll want to install the devel packages for foobar, using (often) "yum install foobar-devel".

It may just be best to install the whole shebang of devel tools to make sure you have everything (or nearly so) for building. It is a bit of a drag on hard drive space, though. I believe the command would be:

yum groupinstall "Development Tools"

[wvn]

i agree with tjvanwyk that the dev tools are a drag. after installing them the box was significally slower and louder

[forkbomb]

Originally Posted by wvn

i agree with tjvanwyk that the dev tools are a drag. after installing them the box was significally slower and louder

Uhh... really?

I was just referring to the drag on hard drive space. They're going to take up some hard drive space. If you're not using them, they're just sitting there taking up space. Depending on your hard drive space that may or may not be a problem. But if you're not using them, the system will ignore them - having build tools and devel libs installed shouldn't make your system run poorly.

[wvn]

Yes. I installed a couple of other stuff as well after that. My notebook was much warmer and louder

[forkbomb]

Hmm... really. Having devel tools installed shouldn't cause a performance drag. They'll take up HD space but I can't imagine why just having them installed would increase the load on physical resources. If you're not using them to build, they're just sitting there.

[JohnVV]

A hit on performance is odd .The only exception i can think of ( right now) is if a running program , say Gnome, was built with -debug and the debugger is running .
Other than something odd like that there should be NO hit on system performance,just drive space.
Whenever i build a new( unfamiliar) program i DO read the README,INSTALL or /doc folder and in the case of image magick the /www/index.html file .
Then i READ the website , if there is one, sometimes there isn't .

If the readme and install files are of no help on a configure error run " ./configure --help" this is something i do before i run configure .Most programs will want to install in /usr/local I want them in /usr or /usr/opt ( ./configure --prefix=/usr )
If ./configure --help just gives you the standard " boiler plate" then read the code
and look at the #include<something???.h> to make a guess as to what is needed .

[Hlingler]

Originally Posted by Johnny England

What exactly do I need to build software from source???

• A large assorment of magic wands.
• A henhouse-full of chickens for use in voodoo sacrifices.
• Skill at rain-dancing, prestidigitation, and other slight-of-hand tricks.
• A copy of "UGH!", "Linux Bible", or any book on witchcraft with a wide assortment of magical formulas.
• A masochistic bent and a penchant for self-flagellation.

V

[wvn]

yes yes. much better

[glennzo]

Originally Posted by Hlingler

• A large assorment of magic wands.
• A henhouse-full of chickens for use in voodoo sacrifices.
• Skill at rain-dancing, prestidigitation, and other slight-of-hand tricks.
• A copy of "UGH!", "Linux Bible", or any book on witchcraft with a wide assortment of magical formulas.
• A masochistic bent and a penchant for self-flagellation.

V

Or, a baby's arm holding an apple.

So what about the answer guys?

yum install kernel-devel kernel-headers gcc

for starters? Maybe

yum groupinstall 'Development Tools'

thrown in?