creating binaries for particular distro so as to share them

[svzard]

Hi,
I wanted to install pidgin 2.2.2 on debian and found that it did not have any pre-compiled binary for debian. So, my only way was the 'way of the source code' As expected I faced a lot of dependency nuisances and finally somehow managed to install pidgin successfully.

But I'm wondering now as to what if I can share the binary with someone who is using debian so that he/she need not face the same dependency problems. If my friend is also using same architecture, say x86 32-bit architecture (does it matter whether it is amd or intel processor, when both are 32-bit x86 processors?), can I just give the file that configure and make create, so that he uses it just like other linux distro-binary or windows .exe file?

Is this possible? If so how? I'm not very well versed in linux. When I look into my pidgin directory I find so many files. Which one is the real 'installer' file which we run when we type 'make install'?

[RobinVossen]

when you do make install the source is being compiled and the executeable is placed int he /usr/bin folder.
And all the other files are made.
Eg Library files, homefolder default Settings.
That kind of stuff.
You can change it to a Debian Package and submit it
(If he wants Pidgin he can also use Gaim. A Old version of Pidgin that IS in apt)

[svzard]

hey robin,
i was not actually referring to a person. it was just a generic example. also, the issue is not using gaim which comes by default in debian etch. here again gaim/pidgin was just an example.

anyway u said we can make debian packages. but how? kindly explain the process or atleast give links for further reading in this regard.

thanx n regards,
sv

[g2g591]

hey robin,
i was not actually referring to a person. it was just a generic example. also, the issue is not using gaim which comes by default in debian etch. here again gaim/pidgin was just an example.

anyway u said we can make debian packages. but how? kindly explain the process or atleast give links for further reading in this regard.

thanx n regards,
sv

I find the ubuntu packaging guide pretty good (ubuntu is based on debian) and try searching on ubuntus wiki.
The debian package maintainers guide is rather detailed it seems