this post was submitted on 26 Oct 2025
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Building from source - disadvantages? (slrpnk.net)
submitted 3 weeks ago by oeuf@slrpnk.net to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Are there any risks or disadvantages to building software from source, compared to installing a package? Can it mess with my system in any way?

I usually avoid it because I've found it to be a faff and often doesn't work anyway but in a couple of cases it has been necessary.

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[–] fruitycoder@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 weeks ago

Time. Your build environment can be potentially compromised. Takes more tools to build then install increase maintance, chances for failure to update, and increase attack surface area.

Removing software can be much harder if not installed by a package manager as well, which can make upgrades a PITA

That said yeah I do it from time to time. Build in one container, install in an other, and you mitigate some of that concern.