Package/Build-From-Source Management

[David Abrahams]

Bob Nielsen <nielsen at oz.net> writes:

>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I often need to download, build, and install software from source, but
>> when I do, the package management system doesn't know about the new
>> software.  Can anyone tell me how to properly manage things so
>> built-from-source software doesn't mess up the package manager?
>
> Install the checkinstall package.  Checkinstall is then used in place
> of 'make install' and will create a .deb package and install it so
> the package management system is aware of the software.

Oh, excellent.  That really looks like it hits the spot.  How does
anyone function without it?

I do have one question that isn't answered in its docs: if I am
building and installing a development snapshot, what version would I
give it to make sure that the system isn't confused?  Feel free to
redirect me to the checkinstall lists if you don't know.

>> Another thing that worries me is that in practice several package
>> management systems might be in use at any time.  For example, Intel's
>> C++ compiler is only distributed as an RPM.  How should I manage the
>> interaction among these different systems?
>
> Install the alien package.  It can be used to convert from rpm to deb
> (and vice-versa).

Superb.

Thanks a million.

-- 
Dave Abrahams
Boost Consulting
www.boost-consulting.com