What is the "DEBIAN WAY"?

[edbarx]

I have been using Debian for at least 8 months now, although I have been experimenting with it for more than 2 years. However, I haven't installed anything using the mysterious debian way! I fear that, if I install a package that way, I may not be able to remove it afterwards!

I think, the so mysterious debian way, has to do with commands like:

Code: Select all

./configure
make install


Am I right? I think, I am not...

[Lavene]

The mysterious Debian way is using apt-get/ aptitude/ synaptic

[edbarx]

So, I am already using it.

[Lavene]

[rickh]

Of course, the "Debian Way" is also a philosophical and historical mindset which, like all philosophies, can lead to disagreements.

[souneedalink]

the debian way - no quick shortcuts today that leads to problems tommorrow, take the long way and do it right

the debian way - purchased bread is fine ONLY IF you know how to make your own if needed

the debian way - sustenance before style

[Mikuro]

the debian way - no quick shortcuts today that leads to problems tommorrow, take the long way and do it right

As far as installing apps goes, the long way is very rarely right in Debian! That's one of the main reasons I chose Debian — I'd heard great things about its package management system. And it IS good. apt-get is easier and safer than any other method.

The "mysterious Debian way" the original poster mentioned is really the mysterious Unix way. I think it's fine NOT to know how to do it. That is one of the luxuries of being a Debian user.

[Telemachus]

the debian way - sustenance before style

Does this mean that Debian users eat before they get dressed?

[industrialpunk]

As others have said, the Debian way is more than just using specific toolchains, its a philosophy. Debian, after all, is not just a distro, but a community. The Debian System: Concepts and Techniques by Martin Krafft is a great book that explains the history of Debian, its goals, philosophy, and technical usage.

[souneedalink]

the debian way - sustenance before style

Does this mean that Debian users eat before they get dressed?

I was running out of catchy quips....

uh, it means... the necessities before the frivolous extras
yea thats it

[Bro.Tiag]

the debian way - sustenance before style

Does this mean that Debian users eat before they get dressed?

I was running out of catchy quips....

uh, it means... the necessities before the frivolous extras
yea thats it

"Function over Forum."

or

"Substance over Style."
Maybe.

Cheers

[hrsetrdr]

I 'sample' other operating systems(The BSDs, etc.) but debian just feels so right!

[mzilikazi]

I think, the so mysterious debian way, has to do with commands like:

Code: Select all

./configure
make install


Am I right? I think, I am not...

In these situations when you have no choice but to compile from source (because software XYZ is not available in a Debian repo) it is preferable to use checkinstall to make a deb out of the source code. Your .deb will not be eligible for upload to Debian proper but it will fit in fine and is easily managed w/ apt-get (or Synaptic). So....instead of using make install try this:

Code: Select all

./configure
make
checkinstall

Keep in mind that sometimes checkinstall does not work for some source code. In this case (if you absolutely must have the software) you must use make install.

[edbarx]

Thanks for all your answers.

substance before style.

That means, I made the right decision in choosing Debian. With Windows, I was noticing, that the inner workings of the OS and the software, were intentionally hidden from the user. That often left me in a state of anger and disgust, because I knew that, to use a tool effectively, one must know the tool inside out. I was feeling like being treated as a mentally deficient person! Moreover, I was angry at the fact that, the programs were so overladen with unnecessary graphics, that they brought my computer to a crippling state. Once, I wanted to check the features of the computer's processor and downloaded an executable from the manufacturer's website. The program was almost 2 Mega Bytes long! It was so long because of too much graphics! A simple program employing a simple EDIT control would have been more than enough!!!

So....instead of using make install try this:

Code: Select all

  ./configure
make
checkinstall


Thanks for this tip.

[rickh]

Thanks for this tip [on checkinstall].

Lots of people (including Martin Krafft, whose book, The Debian System, is mentioned above) believe that checkinstall is a disaster and unfit to be used on any Linux system, let alone one as worthy as Debian.