Dependencies dependency.

seiyachan · 06-16-2005, 05:16 PM

Hello,

I am just wondering, when we need to install a program from source in Linux, we need to make sure all the dependencies are satisfied, in which most cases we are required to install those extra packages of dependencies before we could compile a program. So, every time we install a program from source, we have some normally not needed packages installed as well.

Questions:
1. Why dont every developers of a program give a list of dependencies like every package would include a README and INSTALL instruction text file. So we know which lib-devel package we have to have installed ?

2. Is there anyone would include those lib-devel packages into there program`s package so newbies like I am used to be would not have to scratch their head what is going on, and look everywhere to find the dependency packages? and the installation would just be a matter of ./configure, make, make install, and work.

3. And then, after we have compiled the program that depend on the dependencies, can we actually remove the dependencies packages? To save HD space or keep the system slim and clean.

4. I like the concepts behind Linux and open source. And admire and appreciate all the passions people have. I wish I could contribute in the future too. Thank you for answering my questions.

Seiya.

GaijinPunch · 06-16-2005, 05:52 PM

Most good developers do put what the dependencies are. My suggestions to you are this:

1: Get some type of RPM management package. It is much easier in the long run if you install/uninstall a lot of stuff on your machine
2: Switch to the gentoo distro. Portage, the essence of gentoo, basically does away with dependencies. The install process is pretty painful, but well worth it when it's done.

dr_zayus69 · 06-16-2005, 07:23 PM

what is your distro? I use Fedora and yum is a blessing. type man yum for more info. You can use it to install programs and what yum does it looks at your system and sees what dependencies you need for that program and installs them as well. I don't think you can uninstall the dependencies and still have the program work, cuz then why would you have needed them in the first place? Even if you could you might run into another program that needs it and would have to go thru the hassle of reistalling it.

jon_k · 06-17-2005, 12:44 AM

I'd switch to a debian based distro [its what I did]

I have little problems with fixing dependecies now.

All I have to do now is just ./configure and if it says something like

*** Configure error, delayed by previous errors.
*** Configure: Could not find libpng3

I can easily install it by going to root and typing:
root@2[~]# apt-cache search libpng

Code:

Output sample from command:
libpng2 - PNG library, older version - runtime
libpng2-dev - PNG library, older version - development
libpng3 - PNG library - runtime
libpng3-dev - PNG library - development, compatibility package

Then I can easily install it by just getting the development libraries (for libpng3), by doing this:
root@2[~]# apt-get install libpng3-dev

It will automatically download the package from the internet, configure it and install it for you. Then all you have to do is try to ./configure the program that failed earlier, and if it doesn't require any more dependecies, make and install it. (If it has more dependecies rinse and repeat!)

I think it beats having to use google anyday myself...
There is even a graphical version of apt-get if you're unconfortable with using the command line version I showed you above.