Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

sc0ttman · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 2201 Location: UK

Why don't we have a "Compiling" section on the forum?

I noticed other Linux forums are full of threads and even whole sections devoted to the exact details of various compiling related stuff.. In other Linux forums it's common to see exact details about:

- the exact 'configure' settings used to build things
- the dependencies needed and the versions which worked
- the environment built on, and how it was setup to complete the build

The forums which have all this stuff above, also tend to have:

- official patches and why/how to apply them
- source code fixes, changes, hacks and 'workarounds'

These places are much more likely to post bug fixes and known issues to the developers of the apps being compiled, which helps those developers improve their program for that distro or system.

If we did the same in Puppy, we would be able to get a closer look at how to build new apps, and how to make them work even better in Puppy. Dont forget - JWM, Mtpaint and others have been improved because of Puppy users and devs getting in touch...

Compiling stuff is an art in its self, and having a single section where our more experienced compilers can help out others would be really nice. Also, it would encourage people to learn, to try, and to compile new apps for Puppy.

Jemimah and others have already posted some great HOWTOs on compiling various apps, and the scope of these posts is often outside that of the "Additional Pets" section... So, it is a good idea to have a section devoted to compiling?

Are there prohibitive issues I am unaware of? A different sub-section for each major puppy version required? etc...

sc0ttman · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 2201 Location: UK

ok then....

Aitch · Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Posts: 6825 Location: Chatham, Kent, UK

I can't believe no-one's suggested it before....?

Great idea!! Gets my vote Very Happy

I've PM'd Flash Wink

Aitch

bigpup · Posted: Wed 25 May 2011, 17:15 Post subject:

I agree!
Would be a very good thing to have!!!

sc0ttman · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 2201 Location: UK

It seems to me to be a bit of an oversight to say the least.. One that I would like to have fixed.

We need a set of consistent, clear instructions for compiling things the puppy way - finding the deps, configure for small size, using new2dir, stripping for even smaller size, removing or replacing any large dependencies, using stock icons, and so on.

Puppy will benefit in various ways:

- Puppy users get more help and experience in compiling programs.

- The quality of compiled apps will be increased as users learn more.

- Updates for apps could be compiled more regularly and reliably

- Everyone can learn to reduce bloat when they build stuff

- It reduces the need to (re-)learn how to compile programs already built.

- Non-Puppy users get to see how small/light packages can be..

- Puppy itself gets many more quality packages.

- It will surely help improve or speed up fixing/improving the devx

- Our compiling stories or experiences will turn up in Google

- and so on ...

Add other reasons to this thread... It might help!

abushcrafter · Joined: 30 Oct 2009 Posts: 1447 Location: England

+1. Do a poll next time please Smile

.

Flash · Posted: Wed 25 May 2011, 23:42 Post subject:

Would a Compiling subsection in either the Programming or the Additional software section of the forum be acceptable? The forum has so many sections that I think it would be counterproductive to add another one. Actually, rather than add more I'd like to get rid of a few. Consolidate them. That's not going to happen, I just wanted to say my druthers. Smile

8-bit · Joined: 03 Apr 2007 Posts: 3033 Location: Oregon

A section on Compiling might sound good, but without users who have compiled apps and know a little contributing, it would be wasted space.

If the section was expected to be a know all tell all solution to a user that did not know jack about the subject and wanted to learn, it could put demands on those willing to share that they are not prepared for.

Then again, it might be worth a try.

Anyone remember and still refer to "GTK Dialog Tips and Tricks"?

Also the great tutorial on Bash and the command line?

So maybe it deserves a chance to.

But I also think it should be made as a subsection uner Programming.

sc0ttman · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 2201 Location: UK

sc0ttman · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 2201 Location: UK

8-bit, I hear your concerns, and needless to say I am not trying to dictate how the forum should be....

wuwei · Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 740 Location: de

I got here from this post:

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=67444&start=330

And yes, a compiling thread is a great idea. Especially because of this reason

bigpup · Posted: Fri 27 May 2011, 14:35 Post subject:

I also think it should be made as a subsection under Programming.

technosaurus · Joined: 18 May 2008 Posts: 3845

I almost always post my compile parameters (complete with compiler flags and configure options), mainly due to short attention span and dislike of nagging/begging ... better to teach a man to fish.

Perhaps others should follow this lazy-man method, since it allows someone else to take over maintenance if _they_ want every version update.

See pet packaging in my signature for general info.

sc0ttman · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 2201 Location: UK

goingnuts · Joined: 07 Dec 2008 Posts: 634

Just want to give my support to this idea.

I have been recompiling bins for pUPnGO lately - mainly for size reduction but also because I could not reproduce some of my past builds... Rolling Eyes

A build script example attached. It does not have to be like mine - but at least it should give a reproducible package - and inspiration to others to build other apps or improve the build...