binary vs source RPM (and other RPM questions)
I have a few questions about rpms. My understanding is that binary rpms are compiled for a certain version of linux. A source rpm I'm assuming contains the source code for a given program. Now, I'm assuming that the source rpm can be used to compile a binary rpm for a certain distro, is this true? And if so, how is this done? (I'm a newb, so try to make it somewhat uncomplicated)
Additionally, is there an easy way to make an rpm out of "tar" files? Since I'm using mandrake 9.1 I'm a bit reluctant to use "tar" files since my distro is rpm based. If there is a simple way to turn those tar files into rpms then that'd make me happy. Any information on this would greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time. -calimer |
Re: binary vs source RPM (and other RPM questions)
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Thanks! Your response was a great help.
-calimer |
It seems very complicated, but for what it's worth:
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/howtos/mdk-rpm/ for your Mandrake 9.1. |
The really casual answer is to look for programs packaged for your distribution and version. Other than for experience, there is often no reason to install from source unless a program or certain function is not available in the packaged version.
That being said. I think is is well worth your while to learn to compile from source. You may need to some time. Source installation has a few simple rules. Download the source code, uncompress it to the directory of your choice (/usr/src ?), read the README and other supplied documentation. Some programs are very simple and others are very complicated. I found that working through the Linux from Scratch book was a good way to begin to understand working with my Linux system, including compiling source code. |
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