Re: Compiling for dummies

[Leland Elie <datazone airmail net>]

I can't speak for everyone, but as a 1 year old linux user, it is better
to just find something that you want to use, and if you see a piece of
code that can be tweaked, try to, or if you see it has docs that need
fixing, do so.  Don't ask who wants help, because that's just useless.

As far as learning how to compile and stuff, if you download a tarball
of source code, it usually comes with basic compile instructions.  and
there are tons of linux sites out there now that will show you the ropes
to doing simple things, heck there are so many linux books and magazines
available now that you can't go into a book store without finding a new
one.  In this brave new world, its all about "doing".  like my
grandmother used to say: "get up and get."

And as i tell most new linux users, it is not always necessary to run
out and compile your own code, sometimes you have to, but you don't
"need" too.  most distros have packaging formats and there are usually
distro groupies (like me) who build packages of programs for programmer
didn't get around to building them.

As far as learning to program in linux, well, you got to know what
language you want to use, and if/which gui toolkit you want to use.
I say to try them all out and see which one is "you", then do what you
want to after that.  And if you are looking for sample code, just go on
over to freshmeat.net and search for a program that does what you are
trying to learn and see how the code monkey did it, and/or email and ask
specific questions if you get stumped by something to the programmer,
most programmers are very nice, just don't ask vague questions.  Or else
you will incur the wrath of TUX.

by the way, did any of you guys notice that TUX had a walk on role in
Fight Club?  he is so cool.


Leland Elie  <datazone>




"Mark M. Wilson" wrote:
> 
> Warning: this is more general than specific to Gnome hacking:
> As an ex-Windows user (well, that's not quite true, I'm still forced to
> use it at work until I can get my own machine) and *especially* as a non
> programmer, I'm new to a lot of this Gnome and Linux stuff.  My question
> is this: is there an any advantage to my trying to compile apps myself
> from these tarballs?  Why would someone (again, a non programmer) do
> this unless they were going to customize certain attributes? (are there
> some apps that are only available as source tarballs, thus forcing a
> newbie to take that dive?) And can anyone suggest simple apps to start
> with that would be instructive in learning the various languages? In
> other words, are there any earthworms, frogs, or fetal pigs to dissect
> before I try my hand at brain surgery?
> Are these even worthy or correct questions to ask? I want to begin to
> contribute in some way.  Perhaps I could offer my services in
> proofreading documentation? [Judging from some of the messages I see
> posted to the list, there is a need ;-)  I won't name names.]
> 
> --Mark
> 
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