From: Rick DeNatale <rick.denatale@...>
Date: 2007-03-02T04:15:01+09:00
Subject: Re: compiling ruby on linux

On 3/1/07, Rustom Mody <rustompmody@gmail.com> wrote:
> I need to use ruby 1.8.5 whereas the linux I am using -- ubuntu edgy --
> gives 1.8.4.
>
> Tried to download sources and compile.
>
> Seemed to go fine but when I tried to setup gem it barfed saying the
> zlib library is not available
>
> Also the up-arrow key is not working in irb
>
> So any pointers to compiling ruby on ubuntu-edgy?

I've found it to be a bit of a puzzle session.

Generally ruby compiles fine, but various extensions require the
system to have a variety of external files. It's usually a bit of
trial and error to figure out which files are needed and then which
debian/ubuntu packages provide those files.

You'll find that the source distribution has a directory called ext
which in turn has a subdirectory for each extension.  So look in
ext/zlib in your source directory for a file called mkmf.log  this
should contain a log of what tests were done when building the zlib
extension.  You're likely to find that one or more files (probably .h
files, or perhaps library files) were missing. Then try to figure out
which debian packages you need.  Google is the obvious tool for this.
There's also a nice tool called apt-file (in a package of the same
name) which can be used to search for files in packages on the
repositories.

Your problem with up-arrow in irb is probably due to a similar problem
building the readline extension.

HTH.
-- 
Rick DeNatale

My blog on Ruby
http://talklikeaduck.denhaven2.com/