Are .rpms and slackware .tgzs precompiled?

[kuber]

Do they just contain the binaries/libs and paths to were to put them? Or is the source compiled when you install??

In that case, is it faster to install from source? I have always preferred source installation because usually there are a few packages that put stuff in the wrong place, but that would be nice if it made stuff run quicker too :)

Thanks,
Kuber

[Derango]

Well...theres two types of packages, both RPM and, I belive tgz.

Binary packages are the most comon, they contain just the program and the needed support files to run it, with the paths and everything all set.

Source packages just contain the source code, and deposit it in a pre-determined location. You still have to compile it yourself however.

[bugfix]

RPM's are binaries (they may contain the source AS WELL) and have all the necessary instructions to put the files in the correct places (including putting configuration files in /etc ...).

TGZ's can be either binary or source, to use them you to unzip the file (with gunzip) and then extract it with tar. Tar will typically place the files in a new directory and add new sub-directories if needed but it won't normally put it in the most sensible location like /usr/bin.

TGZ's are a little like .zip files except its a two stage process.

[ 25 May 2001: Message edited by: bugfix ]

[bugfix]

Sorry, missed this bit:

Originally posted by kuber:
<STRONG>In that case, is it faster to install from source? I have always preferred source installation because usually there are a few packages that put stuff in the wrong place, but that would be nice if it made stuff run quicker too :)</STRONG>

It won't install quicker because compilation takes time but it may run a little quicker if you've optimised your compiler. Binaries might often come backwardly compatiable for 386's etc but if you compile it yourself you can use pentium optimisations and system specific speed improvements.

[Derango]

Originally posted by bugfix:
<STRONG>RPM's are binaries (they may contain the source AS WELL)</STRONG>

Note, there is also just RPMs containing the source, IIRC