linux help?
Friday, July 15th, 2011 at
00:26
Why would you build a package from its source code when a (binary) rpm file is available?
Tagged with: rpm • source code
Filed under: rpm
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Some distros can’t use an rpm file and converting the file in to other packages may not satisfy all dependencies if that package is packaged for a specific distribution. When u compile from source u can modify it to fit your systems needs and performance is sometimes better.
RPMs are for Red Hat-based distributions. Debian systems, including Ubuntu, use DEB files instead.
Another reason for preferring the source code is if you want to customise the software – either a simple change of install locations, or a larger change of functionality.
Thirdly, even if no-one ever chose to build from source, it is usually a requirement of most open-source licences that the source code be available for download.