This is an issue that really limits my enjoyment of Linux. If the application isn't on a repository or if it doesn't have an installer script, then I really struggle where and how to install an application from source.
Comparatively to Windows, it's easy. You're (pretty much) required to use an installer application that does all of the work in a Wizard. With Linux… not so much.
So, do you have any tips or instructions on this or are there any websites that explicitly explain how, why and where to install Linux programs from source?
Best Answer
Normally, the project will have a website with instructions for how to build and install it. Google for that first.
For the most part you will do either:
tar zxvf myapp.tar.gz
for a gzipped tarball ortar jxvf myapp.tar.bz2
for a bzipped tarball./configure && make && sudo make install
Or:
./autogen.sh && make && sudo make install
Both configure and autogen.sh will accept a --prefix argument to specify where the software is installed. I recommend checking out Where should I put software I compile myself? for advice on the best place to install custom-built software.