Chapter 11: Dining on Tarballs

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Overview

Compiling Programs from Source (Made Kind of Easy)

For the beginner, just the mention of compiling a program from source seems off-putting enough. The words compile and source seem to instill a sense of foreboding in the heart of the new user. That certainly was the case for me, anyway.

However, this method of installing programs is a lot easier than it sounds. In fact, now that you have some experience in using the Terminal and command line, it is just plain easy — a sort of one, two, three, and you’re done process.

Of course, you can live long and prosper without ever bothering to compile anything on your system. You can move along quite happily with your system as is, or you can just install programs by means of the very straightforward RPM method.

However, not every bit of software out there is available in RPM format; and, if you are filled with natural human curiosity, there will come a time when you will want to move just one step beyond. After working through this short chapter, you will be able to do just that, and I am sure you will find that your initial worries will have been for naught.

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