How to set LD_LIBRARY_PATH

galapogos · 11-20-2008, 12:36 AM

Hi,

I'm having trouble running a program that I compiled that uses a dynamically linked library in /usr/local/lib. I've even compiled it with the -L/usr/local/lib flag, but when I ldd the executable it doesn't find the library.

Apparently the library directory isn't in LD_LIBRARY_PATH. I've read it's a bad idea to modify LD_LIBRARY_PATH, but how else can I specify the library location?

Thanks.

mesiol · 11-20-2008, 12:42 AM

Hi,

try

export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/usr/local/lib:${LD_LIBRARY_PATH}

this will be the easiest way.

Best way IMHO is create a short shellscript which sets LD_LIBRARY_PATH than executes your program and after you close unset LD_LIBRARY_PATH.

For static solution you can put /usr/local/lib in /etc/ld.so.conf and run ldconfig.
Be careful this solution can break other library dependencies on your system.

pwalden · 11-21-2008, 08:48 AM

To permanently set it for all users.

$ su -
Password:
# cd /etc/ld.so.conf.d
# echo /usr/local/lib >local.conf
# exit

When you re-boot, the default LD_LIBRARY_PATH will include /usr/local/lib

i92guboj · 11-21-2008, 09:25 AM

To wrap everything into a simple script is the easiest you can get. It's a non-invasive solution that won't cause trouble with the rest of your system.