compiling/no make file

[kaykav]

good morning,
I could do so much if only I could install most packages.
About 80% of the time ,after I download a tar package to install,even from the repositories, it doesn't have a make or make install file. So I cannot install.
Very frustrating. Any ideas. thank you.....

[hazel]

These files are not included in the package; they are created as part of the configuration process. The usual sequence with installing source packages is:

1) Unpack the tarball in your home directory using gunzip and tar -xf.
2) Go into the new directory which has been created.
3) ./configure.
4) make.
5) make install (as root).

It is stage 3 that creates the Makefile used in stages 4 and 5.

Why are you installing from source anyway? It's much easier to get binary packages using apt-get or synaptic.

[Crescent]

These files are not included in the package; they are created as part of the configuration process. The usual sequence with installing source packages is:

1) Unpack the tarball in your home directory using gunzip and tar -xf.
2) Go into the new directory which has been created.
3) ./configure.
4) make.
5) make install (as root).

It is stage 3 that creates the Makefile used in stages 4 and 5.

Why are you installing from source anyway? It's much easier to get binary packages using apt-get or synaptic.

I got some problem same. But, in my case there were makefile inside my directory source. What should i do? Sometimes some program only given by source code.

[hazel]

Every source package contains a README file. Often there is an INSTALL file as well. One or other of them will contain full instructions foir installing. The method I gave before, using ./config, make and make install, is the commonest method and works for about 90% of packages, but if a different one is needed for a particular package, README or INSTALL will tell you.

As a general rule, you should always read instructions before asking questions.

[kaykav]

many times ,from my experience, I download a tar app that doesnt have 'configure ,make ,or make install. The READ ME says to use ./configure,make,make install. Im at an impasse. I agree instaling from the repository is the safest and most trouble free procedure. I was curious as to why those source packages aren't complete.......thank you for response.....