compiling
 

no matter how many times i read it and search for an answer to errors i just can't find the solution.

i am trying to install sylphleed-claw and read the install file

"To compile and install, just type:

% ./configure
% make
% su
Password: [Enter password]
# make install

the configure did it's job and ran through a whole heap of things. but what now? make? if i run make i get this error:

make
make: *** No targets specified and no makefile found. Stop.

i simply just don't know what to do.

are you sure your definitely in the right directory? in running ./configure (make sure it definitely gave no errors, run it again just to be sure) it should create various makefiles.

If it did create the necessary make files then just make sure your in the right directory (you shouldnt have to change directory afterwards). The only other thing is that the makefile could have been named something else (very unlikely) so read the installation file to be sure (its probably called INSTALL or something)

ok i tried again and now it works. i did ./configure and then "make" and now i have just finished running "make install".

everything seemd ok. but what now?

thats it. its installed. run the program now and bask in its glory.

ok i just double clicked on "sylphleed" and the email app just starts up.

becasue i had syphleed installed before it seems to be using the same account and all my email is there. so i guess where ever a compile/make/install is done then that's where you run it from?

i just downloaded it into my home folder and run it from there.

yup.

thanks all for your replies. i have now done my very first successfull compile and install!! :)

generally () generally
a program will install itself to a bin directory in your path and the needed files somwhere in /usr/local so you can get rid of the downloaded archive or keep it for backup, and run the program from anywhere, via CLI anyway.. you would have to make a (shortcut) to it for GUI.