src vs bin
 

I would like to know what is the difference between a source packetage and a binary packetage?

As far as I know, a source package is one you compile yourself and a binary is precompiled. So binaries can't be adjusted if you've got a weird system or optimized for your system. With source, you still might have problems if essential things are missing, but it's more flexible and can be tailored to your system. Plus, if you're a programmer, you've got the code to hack. Even as a non-programmer, you can try to do some configuring for install.

Basically, binaries are ready to go and source takes more work for better results. Source results in a binary; binary came from source.

At least, that's my understanding.

Sounds good to me! I think the only thing I would have added is that source code is usually available for MOST (if not all) of your open source/GNU software; whereas a binary doesn't have to be, and sometimes is specifically not (as in issues with questionable applications like xvid).

Cool

Think of it like furniture:

Source = flat pack, self-assembled stuff, ie more effort.
Binary = pre-assembled, works out of the box (hopefully)

Thanks
I like this one, mhearn!