In this chapter, we show how to use the tdesvn-build to checkout modules from the KDE repository and build them. We also provide a basic explanation of the KDE Subversion structure and the steps you have to perform before running the script.
All topics present in this chapter are covered with even more detail in the Building KDE from Source Step by Step Guide, at the KDE Quality Team Website. If you are compiling KDE for the first time, it is a good idea to read it, or consult it as a reference source. You will find detailed information about packaging tools and requirements, common compilation pitfalls and strategies and information about running your new KDE installation.
It is recommended that you download and build KDE using a user account. If you already have KDE packages installed, the best choice would be to create a different (dedicated) user to build and run the new KDE. The advantage of building KDE with a dedicated user is you can not break the base system, and you will always have a way to comfortably work when things go wrong.
Later, you can do a root installation if you wish. This document does not cover a root installation. If you are performing a system wide install, you probably already know what you are doing anyway.
Before using the tdesvn-build script (or any other building strategy) you must install the development tools and libraries needed for KDE. You need the Qt library, version 3.3.0 or greater, Automake 1.8, Autoconf 2.5X (better if >=2.57 as a bug was reported with lower versions), the subversion (svn) client, the gcc compiler with C++ support, libxml2, openssl, libbz2, and many more (for a complete list, visit the KDE Compilation Requirements). You can usually get those tools packaged for your system from your distribution or vendor.
Some of these packages are divided into libs, programs or utilities and development packages. You will need at least the program or library and its development package. If in doubt, install all. The libraries you need will change depending on the modules you intend to build, as each module has its own requirements. The Building KDE from Source Step by Step Guide has more details about the specific tools and techniques used to install and find the required software.
You probably already have a version of the tdesvn-build script installed
in your system. tdesvn-buildrequires you to create a configuration file, named
.tdesvn-buildrc
. This file should be installed on
the home folder (~/), and contain all configuration data
required for the script to run, like configuration options,
compiling options, location of the sources, the destination of the installation
(prefix), the modules that should be built, etc.. The default configuration
data is provided by the tdesvn-buildrc-sample
file.
You can find more information about the syntax of the configuration file
in the section called “Setting the Configuration Data” and in Chapter 4, The Format of .tdesvn-buildrc.
A good way to get the latest version is to browse the tdesdk/scripts page
at the websvn.kde.org website.
You will see a list of the files available in the tdesdk/scripts directory in
the KDE Subversion repository. Click the tdesvn-build link and download
the latest version of the script. Do the same for the
tdesvn-buildrc-sample
file.
Make the script executable, and be sure it is in your path.
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