How can I compile unclutter to my embedded linux?

Question

I got the source code of unclutter using apt-get source unclutter, and copied the files to my embedded system.

Now, how can I compile it?

--update

I've tried this answer: How to compile and install programs from source but it doesn't work here.. there's no ".configure" and make was not found.

Ooohhhh...spiffy program. I wish I'd known about that when I lived in X. — dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten, Mar 10 '11 at 18:26
Is your embedded system running Debian? If so, use apt-cross. Otherwise, look at the build instructions in debian/rules. — Gilles 'SO- stop being evil', Mar 10 '11 at 19:38
@dmckee "spiffy program"? What it means? (English is not my first language.. and the translations I found for "spiffy" doesn't make sense..) — The Student, Mar 12 '11 at 18:39
Spiffy is an adjective meaning "smart in appearance" and used here in a rather informal way to mean "I like the way that looks". This is a behavior that Mac's do by default that I always missed when using X. — dmckee --- ex-moderator kitten, Mar 12 '11 at 18:43

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 10 '11 at 18:19

In order to compile things on that system, it needs to have make, gcc, and a whole lot of other stuff that's not usually found on embedded devices. Typically, you cross-compile it on another machine then put the binary on the embedded system. You may be lucky enough to not have to compile it. You can get the binary for your architecture and try running it on the system.

Cross compiling is a large topic, and there are lots of tools out there that try to make it easier. Some things to search for: linaro, buildroot, crosstool.

To get the binary, go to packages.debian.org, search for the package that has the binary, download the appropriate one for your architecture (such as arm), open it with an archive manager, and look at the "data" folder - this will have the binaries. It may turn out that the binary needs libraries that are also not installed - you can do the same process - find the package with the library you need, copy the binary over to the target system and try again.

How can I compile unclutter to my embedded linux?

1 Answers1