Why should I compile from source?

[Jeff7181]

Is there any particular reason I should compile from source when adding software rather than using rpm's?
I'm somewhat of a Linux noob... though I'm very proud of myself having just set up a web server running Coppermine in a virtual machine using Fedora 8 for a class project.

 

[bsobel]

Well, compiling locall can let you take advantage of cpu specific optimizations. Sans that, rpm's should be fine if they come from a trusted source.

 

[Nothinman]

The only time I install anything from source is when I need to apply a source patch or if there's no package available.

 

[Jeff7181]

So you basically only do it with software that doesn't have a package... or you're concerned about the software being optimized for your platform?

Or I guess there's a 3rd option... you're an uber geek and LOVE extra typing at the command line.

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
So you basically only do it with software that doesn't have a package... or you're concerned about the software being optimized for your platform?

Or I guess there's a 3rd option... you're an uber geek and LOVE extra typing at the command line.

If you really want to compile everything just go use Gentoo, heh.

Like Nothinman said, binary packages are the way to go unless it's just not available.

 

[Nothinman]

So you basically only do it with software that doesn't have a package... or you're concerned about the software being optimized for your platform?

The latter's even pretty questionable, compiler optimizations don't usually make too big of a difference these days.

The main reason I can think of is that you have an external patch that isn't included upstream so you have no choice but to apply it and compile locally. I could probably think of one or two others, but in general just stick to packages and your life will be a lot simpler. =)

Or I guess there's a 3rd option... you're an uber geek and LOVE extra typing at the command line.

And you can still do that without having to compile anything. =)

 

[silverpig]

There are a few reasons to compile from source, but usually, just installing the packaged binary will work great.

 

[Jeff7181]

Cool, good to know. I was worried relying too heavily on rpms would anger the 'nix gods.

 

[kamper]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
So you basically only do it with software that doesn't have a package... or you're concerned about the software being optimized for your platform?

Or I guess there's a 3rd option... you're an uber geek and LOVE extra typing at the command line.

If you don't rewrite the software from scratch yourself, you've already wussed out too much to earn the right to call yourself a geek.

 

[jhu]

Originally posted by: Nothinman

So you basically only do it with software that doesn't have a package... or you're concerned about the software being optimized for your platform?

The latter's even pretty questionable, compiler optimizations don't usually make too big of a difference these days.

The main reason I can think of is that you have an external patch that isn't included upstream so you have no choice but to apply it and compile locally. I could probably think of one or two others, but in general just stick to packages and your life will be a lot simpler. =)

Or I guess there's a 3rd option... you're an uber geek and LOVE extra typing at the command line.

And you can still do that without having to compile anything. =)

back in my day we looked at the source code and type in the machine code directly. you kids and your compilers... and get off my lawn!

 

[Sunner]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
Cool, good to know. I was worried relying too heavily on rpms would anger the 'nix gods.

Chances are it'll at most anger a few dorks who compile stuff to feel l337, most other people don't want the hassle and simply use whatever packaging tools they get with their distro of choice

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: jhu

Originally posted by: Nothinman

So you basically only do it with software that doesn't have a package... or you're concerned about the software being optimized for your platform?

The latter's even pretty questionable, compiler optimizations don't usually make too big of a difference these days.

The main reason I can think of is that you have an external patch that isn't included upstream so you have no choice but to apply it and compile locally. I could probably think of one or two others, but in general just stick to packages and your life will be a lot simpler. =)

Or I guess there's a 3rd option... you're an uber geek and LOVE extra typing at the command line.

And you can still do that without having to compile anything. =)

back in my day we looked at the source code and type in the machine code directly. you kids and your compilers... and get off my lawn!

01001011 101101111 00101110 00001110 11011010

 

[Skeeedunt]

There are also a few good reasons not to compile anything from source if you can avoid it, namely that you'll be more likely to update if everything is installed from the package manager. Having to recompile every time there's a security patch can be a PITA... next thing you know, you have systems running god knows which version of who knows what. Not that it can't be done of course, just something to keep in mind.