Trying to run a .deb package on manjaro

[RandomGuy]

Trying to run a .deb package on manjaro
OS: Manjaro 5.22.4
DE: Gnome
CPU: i3 7100U (2.4 GHz quad core)
GPU: Mesa Intel HD Graphics 620 (KBL GT2)
Device: Dell 5000 series
I was trying to install qt-spim (spim MIPS simulator) from: https://sourceforge.net/projects/spimsimulator/files/
but only .deb files are available for linux users. I also searched in AUR and got few packages in: https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/?O=0&SeB=nd&K=qtspim&outdated=&SB=n&SO=a&PP=50&do_Search=Go
but I don’t whether to trust these packages. So I think I have to somehow install and use the .deb package that is available. So, can I know whether there is a way to install and run it ?

[maycne.sonahoz]

@RandomGuy

(link)

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@RandomGuy

I don’t whether to trust these packages

The simplest way to know is to check their PKGBUILD. And reading from the *spim* packages in there, they are pulling the code from the SVN repository in SourceForge.

[RandomGuy]

@maycne.sonahoz

The simplest way to know is to check their PKGBUILD. And reading from the spim packages in there, they are pulling the code from the SVN repository in SourceForge

I have looked at them but didn’t understand anything. Also, thanks a lot for sharing that link . I am quite new to manjaro (just joined yesterday). I edited my post and included those links now. Kindly check them once.

[megavolt]

Hello @RandomGuy

The AUR Package in your case gets the source directly, compiles and build the package on your computer. I would fully trust it.

https://aur.archlinux.org/cgit/aur.git/tree/PKGBUILD?h=qtspim

Quote:

source=("svn://svn.code.sf.net/p/spimsimulator/code/#revision=739")

spim mips simulator / Code / [r739]

And always check the latest comments… Maybe there were failure while building recently.

pamac build qtspim

[RandomGuy]

@megavolt

The AUR Package in your case gets the source directly, compiles and build the package on your computer. I would fully trust it.

Yes, it got installed and is running perfectly. Thanks a lot once again! Could you help me understanding how to check whether a package is thrust worthy ? I didn’t understand that PKGBUILD thing.

[maycne.sonahoz]

Here’s a long read.
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/PKGBUILD

[megavolt]

@Apurba

Could you help me understanding how to check whether a package is thrust worthy ? I didn’t understand that PKGBUILD thing.

I guess you came from Ubuntu? How would you verify a PPA to be trustworthy? AUR is the same idea as a PPA on Ubuntu, just simpler…

[anon58500165]

With debtap you can convert deb packages to arch pkg.

[RandomGuy]

Actually I didn’t verify as most softwares provide .deb packages as Ubuntu is the most widely used distro, and rarely provide packages for other distros. So I never needed to go anywhere. I just typed sudo apt-get and the suggestion came simply. But AUR is absolutely awesome and huge. I am just a newbie in usin AUR so can’t tell if a package is safe, that’s why I am afraid of installing any random package.

[megavolt]

Hehe… So you don’t verify because it is widely used? Sorry, I have no words for that Systems which are widely used are always a target for any malware… xD

@RandomGuy

I just typed sudo apt-get and the suggestion came simply.

Ok so you never used the PPA? Normally you have to add a repo and then you can use apt install package… So a newbe would trust pre-compiled packages from private persons, but a recipe, which builds the package in front of your eyes is less trustworthy. That makes no sense to me…

[RandomGuy]

@megavolt

So you don’t verify because it is widely used?

No, I mean I never had to. I always got the required package easily on either the official website of the company or in official repo of Ubuntu.

@megavolt

Normally you have to add a repo and then you can use apt install package…

I know this might not be expected but I never used it.
But your effort and help is greatly appreciated

[Fabby]

As you seem to be new to the Manjaro world, please also read this:

[HowTo] become a Manjaro power user when you're a wizard at Windows but a N00b at Manjaro / Linux

Difficulty: ☆☆☆☆☆ Remember when you installed your very first Windows, added bells and whistles and then couldn’t see the wood for the trees any more and had to re-install? Well, you’re in the same situation now: You’re a N00b again! Embrace it! I know right now you’re thinking:

Why is this so much more difficult than Windows?

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and skip all the sections you already know from your Ubuntu experience…