PeterInstalling software on Linux, or any Unix system from the source code is something that is difficult to pick up straight away. Nowadays, the chances you'll need to actually do this are lower, but sometime it's good to know how.
Back in September, I showed you how most source applications can be compiled and installed.
Installing software. It’s something that you do quite a lot if you’re like most computer users. On Unix-like systems, there are several different ways you be getting that program however - it’s not necessarily a simple case of double-clicking one setup file.One of these ways is to download the program’s source code and compile it yourself. This process can be a little tricky to the uninitiated, but has several benefits - including meaning you’ll have the latest copy of the program and you’ll be able to get a copy if you’re using an operating system or distribution where no pre-built packages are available.
Unfortunately, the ways different bits of software are built means that this process can differ slightly depending on exactly what you’re working on. If you’re having problems, it might be you’re dealing with something that’s a little different, so you may have to look for more help.
Something that I didn't mention in that post, but did come up in the comments was how to uninstall software that you've installed in this way. Here's how.
Provided that you kept that source directory around, in most cases you can simply run the following (as root in most cases):
# make uninstall
However, some packages don't implement this particular feature.
The bottom line is - wherever you can, try and avoid installing from source. But if you have to, this guide should give you a good insight into how.
