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Compiling a Program from Source

Building programs from source has many uses. Among these are installing software that is not in a package manager, installing brand new or older releases, and modifying the source code prior to installation to meet a particular need. This hands-on lab is designed to test you on installing programs from source code. In order to complete this lab, you need to obtain the source and extract it in the proper location. Then, you can use the program-specific `configure` script to create a Makefile. Finally, you need to compile source code and install it to the correct location.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Intermediate
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 27, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Download and Extract the Source Files to /usr/local/src

    Change directories to /usr/local/src and download the source files with wget using the URLs provided:

    Then, extract the source files to /usr/local/src.

  2. Challenge

    Install nginx to /usr/local

    Change directories to the top level directory for nginx-1.19.6. Then, run the configure script to create the Makefile based on the instructions provided (resolve any dependencies).

    • The install location should be /usr/local/nginx.
    • The rewrite and gzip modules should be excluded.

    Compile the program, install the program, and validate the installation by starting the service.

    • The nginx service can be started by issuing ./nginx from the sbin directory within the install.
    • The nginx service can be stopped by issuing ./nginx -s stop from the sbin directory.
    • Ensure the service is shut down before proceeding to the next step.

  3. Challenge

    Install apache httpd to /opt

    Change directories to the top level directory for httpd-2.2.9. Then, run the configure script to create the Makefile.

    • The install location should be /opt/httpd-2.2.9.

    Compile the program, install the program, and validate the installation by starting the service.

    • The service can be started by issuing ./apachectl -k start from the bin directory within the install.
Pluralsight Skills - Labs - Pluralsight
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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
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