As I understand it if i issue: apt-get source mozilla-firefox. Apt will download the source package for mozilla-firefox and not the binary, correct? If I issue apt-get source mozilla-firefox --compile. Apt will download the source package for mozilla-firefox and compile it.

My question is if I use the apt-get source option will that fulfil dependences for me? Or will this simply just download the source package and I will manually have to osrt out dependences my self.

My second question is about the actual compilation of the source. Is this an automated process or will I manually have to do the ./configure, make, make install or checkinstall? And will the source be created and installed as a debian package.

Secondly if I download the source package for something I already have installed and I tell apt to compile it, will it replace the current version of that package I have isntalled and will apt-get remove pkg remove the application?

Thanks in advance

Michael

Following the unix philosophy, a command only does what its told

use apt-get source to get the naked or patched sources
use apt-get build-dep to get the dependencies.