Can I check if a binary packageinstalled program has been installed using prm -q xxxx

cy163 · 08-06-2008, 05:59 PM

Hello ALL,

If I installed a program from binary package (*.tar.gz), then does it make sense i use 'rpm -q xxxx' to check its existence on the system.

Thanks

jay73 · 08-06-2008, 06:03 PM

As a rule, that won't work. rpm -q queries the rpm database. You may want to consider packing up your binaries in rpm format to make this work.

cy163 · 08-06-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay73

As a rule, that won't work. rpm -q queries the rpm database. You may want to consider packing up your binaries in rpm format to make this work.

Thanks Jay73,
Then, Can I conclude that a program MUST have been installed by using a rpm package if I can check it using 'rpm -q xxxx'?

jailbait · 08-06-2008, 06:42 PM

rpm -q xxxx

will show that the package is recorded in the rpm data base as being installed by rpm. You can check whether the files actually exist using:

rpm --verify xxxx

-----------------
Steve Stites

jay73 · 08-06-2008, 06:51 PM

Non-rpm programs can be queried using
which program_name
or
whereis program_name.
Bear in mind that both commands check only your PATH so if the program was installed in an out-of-the-way location, they won't be found, whether they are installed or not. That can be solved by doing some editing on your path variable (or linking the binary to a location that does belong to the path).

lazlow · 08-06-2008, 08:38 PM

When it really can get ugly is when both an rpm version and a compiled version are installed. Which part belongs to which install can be a horrid mess to clean up. In the long run one is usually better off taking the extra step of building your own rpm and installing it.