hi,
I need help regarding to install and configure software in Linux.CentOS or Debian .

Suppose I want to install foo software.
I download the compress file and then extract it.

Now I use the command

./configure [--option --option...]
make
make install

The question is when i use ./configure what does it actually do ? It only check the dependencies of the software ? This step is not clear to me.

I just issue the command ./configure i scroll my screen and take 2 to 3 minutes then i can not see any new folder or show me what it need or what new step should it do ?

I did google but i can not find the actual answer that it does ./configure do ? what ./configure --prefix means ? etc etc

./configure --prefix=/some/other/directory/

Please guide me.

gardenair

Hi,

configure will generate a Makefile. The --prefix option is to specify where the software should be installed.

Evo2.

in general configure make two different things: first configures a new build system on the current host and os to be able to build the actual software - and that means it will generate the makefiles required to do that. And the other thing you can also configure what and how should be built (so what will be included in the result)

Thanks "evo2 and pan64 for your prompt reply. Well one thing is clear to understand that .configure will generate Makefile, it is done.Well the step which i take, suppose i extract a software name "foo" in "download" folder.

this command generate make file within /foo folder. Now i give path

I create a folder named "mysoftware" .I execute the above command It do all working but when i open the folder "mysoftware" it is empty (nothing inside it)!

Ok if i understand that --prefix will specify where to install the software why it does not show me any single file when i enter the command for

./configure --prefix=/usr/local/mysoftware

What does this command will do ? no effect in mysoftware folder.

gardenair

Hi,

the software won't be installed into to the location you specify until after you have run "make install".

Evo2.

configure --prefix will tell the build system "where to install" but actually will not install anything but configure.

Thanks for your help.well i am working on it.

← #7 .
CentOS : # yum install gcc-c++

Debian : # apt-get install g++

well thanks i use the command. Well a little question is i want to if you visit the page http://wiki.squid-cache.org/SquidFaq/CompilingSquid under "configure options" i can see some options enable.If i does not use this option and simply use ./configure it will skip these options or it is automatically understood to configure these options as well ?

Actally i want to add these options

--enable-dlmalloc
--enable-icmp
--enable-delay-pools


so it should be

then

and at end

Now how can I give my path to install it ? which is /usr/local/squid

usually there is a readme or similar next to configure (and also configure --help may exist) You need to read those information carefully before configuring. There can be default values, so some settings are assumed (for example there is a default for install dir), but you ought to check it....

Well here are the steps.

We compile and install Squid (everything is in one line):

but at the end of make install command i see 3 errors !

I doubt anyone will be able to help you resolve the problem since you neglected to post the errors!

although it is an intelligent exercise to know how to compile, install and handle dependencies manually but you should probably let the system install everything automatically via the package manager.