Since Linux distros generally use the same Kernel why are applications required to be compiled locally?

One Comment

1. katnev says:

   25. January 2010 at 12:15

   There is Linux Standards Base. All the distros choose to comply by that standard. They might add some more compiler switches based on their local policies. Some might choose to use a different version of compiler or a different compiler itself. Same goes for the libc. So compiling the applications locally cannot be avoided.

   Compiling is only part of the work that distros do. Packaging is what sets them apart from the crowd. Slackawre, Debian, RedHat, Gentoo have carved a unique name for themselves in this area.