I've recently made the switch to Linux and I'm trying to wrap my head around the different installation methods available. I'd appreciate any help or resources you could point me to.
1. From what I understand, each Linux distribution has its own official repository where packages are stored. This is what I access when I use the desktop package manager, right?
2. When I'm using Mint, is the command 'apt install ' essentially the same as what I'd do in the GUI, or are there some differences?
3. I heard about compiling packages from source, which requires the 'make' command. Can anyone clarify how this works?
4. I've also been told about third-party repositories. Do I need to run a specific command to let apt know about them?
5. If I download a .deb file, is that similar to running an .exe file in Windows?
For context, I'm trying to install a program called printrun, which isn't showing up in my package manager. The website offers multiple ways to get it: cloning a Git repository (using 'git clone'), a master tarball (but I'm not sure what to do once I extract it), and pre-built packages for Fedora and Arch. Any guidance or examples would help a lot!
2 Answers
1. Yup, you're spot on about the repositories! They house the packages you can install via your package manager.
2. "apt install " is just the command-line version of what you're doing in the graphical interface—so yes, it’s essentially the same thing!
3. Compiling from source does typically use the 'make' command, but it can vary based on the build system the developer chose. You'll often find a Makefile or similar in the source code that tells `make` what to do.
4. Exactly! You can add third-party repos to your sources list with a command, or just edit the file directly if you're comfortable doing that.
5. A .deb file isn't quite like an .exe. Think of it as a package that contains everything necessary to install a program on Debian/Ubuntu systems; it's a bit more structured than an .exe!
First off, you've got a good handle on the basics!
1. Correct on the repositories! They’re crucial.
2. You're basically correct. Both methods access the same repository, just differently!
3. Compiling programs can be tricky, and it does indeed often involve 'make', but make sure you read any README files that come with the source code for specific instructions.
4. Yes, running commands to add, or even editing the sources list file is how you let apt know about new repositories.
5. Similar, but not the same. A .deb
But think of it like a zipped folder that contains all the necessary bits for your program, not just a single executable file.
And remember, it's always safer to install from official repositories when you can!