C++ and 'Make'

[Mikau]

I'm still a novice at C++, and could use some assistance here.

Every time I download a new API, Toolkit, Library, etc. I get a folder, (usually with the name of the library) that typically contains the following subfolders:

"builds", "devel", "docs", "include", "objs", "src" and sometimes other folders like "tools", and "resources"

The folder also typically includes some files with the 'make' prefix, usually one is an exe. I understand these can somehow be used to compile the source files and move the headers, dll's, and obj files to their appropriate locations, but i'm not quite sure how to use them.

If someone can either give me, or link me to, an explanation for how you typically install a new library, and a little about whats going on, I'd be most appreciative!

[Lindley]

You aren't likely to find an exe, because that's a Windows extension, and Windows software usually isn't packaged in that manner. Did you mean a Unix executable?

Often libraries come with readmes that explain what you need to do. Typically, however, they'll have a configure script---they test your system to make compilation decisions, then run Makefiles to build the library, then copy it to the appropriate place (usually /usr/lib/).

[Mikau]

thanks for the response!

A configure script, huh? Well I do have a 'configure' file here, of type 'File', also a file called "modules" of type 'cfg' but i have no idea how to use them. Do I access them from the command line or something?

The particular library I'm currently trying to install, does not appear to have a readme. Well it does, but its of type File, and only says a sentence or two if opened in notepad.

[Duoas]

That is a typical *nix software setup. If you are trying to compile under Windows, you will need to get MSYS and MinGW and compile it under the bash command shell that comes with msys.

To do it, unpack the downloaded stuff into a directory, change to that directory (in the msys shell), and type the following three commands:

./configure
make
make install

You will likely have to wait a bit between each one. Once done you can delete the unpacked directory if you like (don't forget the html documentation though). The executable file will be in the "release" directory (if you haven't deleted it) and after "make install" it will also be in the /usr/bin/ directory (which on Windows is probably C:\Msys\1.0\bin).

Hope this helps.

Msys isn't a perfect solution, and won't compile everything you find on the net.

Hope this helps.

[Mikau]

Well I installed MinGW okay. (though i can't say i know what it is)

but MSys has been a problem.

on their download page at sourceforge:
http://sourceforge.net/project/showf...?group_id=2435

I am given 3 options between MSYS Base System, MSYS Supplementary Tools, and MSYS System Builder. Furthermore, each of these catagories contains several files available for download, and i'm unable to distinguish which I need.

[Mikau]

isn't there a way I can copy the library into my project folder and compile it exclusively with that project?

I've been trying to gain proficiency with C++ for a while. I'm learning more and more about the language, but I still am always lost when trying to install new libraries. I've been hunting for good articles to explain the process without success. Its really frustrating and discouraging.