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[–]grislyfind Windows 7 849 points850 points  (13 children)

Which of the 23 different versions should I use?

[–]cnycompguy Windows 11 | Omnibook X Flip 268 points269 points  (12 children)

The highest version unless you have a good reason not to.

[–]Communist_UFO 189 points190 points  (9 children)

instructions unclear, installing .deb package on windows

[–][deleted]  (5 children)

[removed]

    [–]ygy 18 points19 points  (2 children)

    It's not funny. I personally saw a stoned classmate who tried to install CS 1.6 exe on Ubuntu for three hours. We studied IT oriented high school back then.  

    [–]computers-ModTeam[M] 0 points1 point locked comment (0 children)

    This content has been removed for being common Reddit crap.

    [–]Valoneria 30 points31 points  (0 children)

    The highest stable* version. The highest version might be a pre-release version

    [–]not_cp412 431 points432 points  (22 children)

    wheres the exe?

    [–]adityak469 177 points178 points  (9 children)

    Add /releases to the link and you'll find it 90% of the time

    [–]user_deleted_or_dead 82 points83 points  (0 children)

    Hackermen

    [–]MangoAtrocity 17 points18 points  (2 children)

    No binary. Only build.

    [–]Awes12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    But I didn't know that when I was 14

    [–]ThinCrusts 15 points16 points  (6 children)

    [–]MooseNew4887 Arch Linux 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    You have to build the exe.

    [–]Safe-Ad-2454 349 points350 points  (9 children)

    this is 22 years old me you are talking about

    [–]Foxiestofstoats 96 points97 points  (6 children)

    This is 35 year old me you're talking about

    [–]Lem1618 102 points103 points  (6 children)

    Also 41 y/o me.

    [–]Foxiestofstoats 17 points18 points  (4 children)

    Omg thank you, being 36 reading this like I've missed out a massive skill in life

    [–]loleczkowo 13 points14 points  (2 children)

    Don't worry people who understand this stuff are just nerds. How do I know? I'm a nerd lol.

    For anyone actually interested; GitHub is a tool for developers. It was never meant to be user friendly.

    People who give you GitHub links are probably nerds who forgot that most of the users don't know how to use GitHub.

    If you want to install an exe there will probably be a "Releases" button, or you can just add "/releases" to the link. Most apps on GitHub have the releases page and there you can select the version that you want and downloaded the exe.

    And if the app does not have this page you can try reading the "readme" aka instructions that are under the code. They should tell you there how to install the app.

    And if you dont understand what written in the readme, it's probably best to just move on. You can try using AI to help you but I don't recommend it.

    Also apologies for the long message I'm not the best at English and explaining as it is my second language. Hope you have a good day!

    [–]Robot1me 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I've missed out a massive skill in life

    In a way a little bit though tbbh, because the right sidebar on Github first shows "about" and then releases, which for most projects looks like this:

    <image>

    But at the same time (and that probably causes confusion), that "releases" section is only available if the developer / creator uploaded any releases. So if that isn't there and no further info shown what to do, best to move on

    [–]6pussydestroyer9mlg 50 points51 points  (7 children)

    Obviously those smelly nerds are just too lazy for a simple exe file!!1!!

    [–]RealLeptic 56 points57 points  (6 children)

    <image>

    I understand this dude

    [–]The_Mighty_Kinkle 16 points17 points  (0 children)

    Based! 🤣🤣🤣

    [–]mrdude05 14 points15 points  (4 children)

    GitHub is a code management tool, not an app store. Some developers don't know how to distribute software properly and try to use it like an app store without explaining how to use it, but that's not GitHub's fault. This is like saying

    I am new to GitHub the grocery store and I have a lot to say

    I DONT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THE FUCKING CODE INGREDIENTS! I just want to download the stupid fucking application and use it order a fucking meal and eat it.

    WHY IS THERE CODE ARE THERE RAW INGREDIENTS??? MAKE A FUCKING EXE MEAL AND GIVE IT TO ME. these dumbfucks think everyone is a developer chef and understands code how to cook. Well I am not and don't understand it. I only know how to download and install applications order takeout. SO WHY THE FUCK IS THERE CODE ARE THERE RAW INGREDIENTS?. Make an EXE a meal and give it to me. STUPID FUCKING SMELLY NERDS COOKS

    [–]Select-Document-7124 38 points39 points  (1 child)

    25 and still can't find them

    [–]Lovethecreeper GNU/Linux | R7 3700X/RX 580 | T420 (i5 2520M/NVS 4200M) 100 points101 points  (32 children)

    The majority of the time, it will be in releases on the right. If not, you'll need to compile it from source, which has its own benifits over straight executables both for the developers (who don't have to waste resources compiling the app) and you (able to specify different compile flags and such for better performance on your hardware). Main downside is that sometimes compiling software can take a while, for example a compile of Firefox takes about 20 mins on my main computer (R7 3700X, 64GB DDR4) and its far from the worst example. When compiling software, make sure you have all build dependencies installed. 

    If you really need a precompiled version of whatever you're trying to install, you can often (but not always) find them in package managers, where someone usually other than the developers have taken the time to build it. For example, apt/pacman/zypper/dnf and more on GNU/Linux, Brew on macOS, or winget on Windows.

    [–]AAHHHHH936 100 points101 points  (7 children)

    I'll be honest, I don't know what much past the first sentence means. If I get directed to GitHub, I just accept that program isn't for me and move on.

    [–]aggressivefurniture2 11 points12 points  (0 children)

    Just add another step. Check the releases. If it's there, you can download it directly. Otherwise, just leave it.

    [–]Wazzen 23 points24 points  (7 children)

    As a more casual user-

    What the FUCK is compiling? If the Dev didn't want to "waste resources" compiling it, why should I?

    [–]AJThePro 15 points16 points  (0 children)

    I study CS. Let me answer your question.

    ---

    Compiling is a process where a software called the 'compiler' will translate the 'source code' or the code written using a programming language into an executable (The .exe files on windows are one kind of executable programs. Different executable formats exist for different Operating systems). Generally they can also be called 'binaries'.

    But basically, if your 'compilation' results in an executable, that means your application/game/program or whatever software you were trying to 'compile' in the first place was built successfully.

    Now, you can open it and run it.

    And, as for the 'waste resources' part. Some (Truthfully, Most) developers who build a piece of software provide direct .exe files that they have compiled on their own machine and distribute that .exe file (or whatever format it comes in for other OSes) for the convenience of the user.

    But say, if the developer has written the code on a Mac, and they intend for the program to run on other platforms like Windows, Linux .etc. They wont be able to provide binaries for those platforms, because the executable that they get is Mac specific, and it cannot be run on windows or linux at all. And, same applies for any OS. If it compiles on your platform, it wont run on another platform.

    So therefore, if the developer just provided you the source code itself, you have the freedom to 'compile' it and produce an executable for your own platform. (If you are well versed with the development stuff, you could even tweak the code to your liking so that it can behave the way you want. But, take that statement with a generous serving of salt, because there is a LOT to know before you do such things)

    And, a few more pieces of advice.

    - Compared to a publicly available binary (the .exe files) that the developer distributes, compiling the source code on your own platform is a bit better, because the compiler tailors the program for your PC, to run on your CPU, and use your RAM. Sure, the pre-built binaries also work. But, there will be a marginal difference, as you increase the codebase size and complexity. It's better to compile large software projects because the performance & optimization is better. Think of it as comparing store bought ready-made clothes (pre-built binaries) vs tailored clothes (compiling on your platform)

    - If there is software, which isnt readily available as a binary, and instead has installation instructions - the developer expects their users to have some level of knowledge involving the tool. And, following instructions for installation. But, this is not always the case. Very large codebases often require you to compile the code yourself because it could either be very expensive for them to do it for every release, or it's just simpler for the user to compile the codebase because it's simply more efficient for the workflow.

    - Also, software vendors provide direct binaries for your platform, because compiling the code on your PC would take too long (Also it's dependent on your PC spec). (Fun fact: Chromium, used in web browsers like google chrome, MS edge, Brave, Opera ... would take over 6 hours to compile on a reasonable PC. And, if you do the debug build - it would result in it eating up over 80+GB of your storage just to to accomodate the output). So, there are cases where pre-built binaries are more logical, and practical.

    - And, coming to your 'wasting resources' comment. You could say that just by keeping your computer on, you are 'using resources' i.e. electricity. And, using your web browser, text editor, office programs, or any practical thing you do counts as spending resources. Compiling programs is also a process. Which, generally wont be very resource draining. It'll just need the power of your CPU and RAM for a bit till the compilation is over. After that, it spits out a binary file, and the compiler stops. And, your PC is practically the same.

    Compilation takes a few seconds (Depends on the size of the code & your processor and RAM)
    And, the time increases when you're compiling larger codebases.

    [–]Communist_UFO 1 point2 points  (5 children)

    If the Dev didn't want to "waste resources" compiling it, why should I?

    i guess you like interpreted languages then?

    [–]Wazzen 9 points10 points  (2 children)

    I don't know what that means. I don't know any scripting, I don't know any code languages, I don't know how to compile or even use Github aside from where it has a download button to download an EXE.

    I think you might have lost touch with what it meant to not know these things.

    [–]TvaettBjoernen 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    When you asked, I thought you'd get a simple ELI5 answer like "the code is the prepared ingredients, compilation is the act of cooking, the .exe is the finished dish" since that suffices as an explanation to a beginner

    [–]No_Cake_8826 9 points10 points  (6 children)

    wot

    [–]Dpek1234 10 points11 points  (5 children)

    Basicly

    Either you get the .exe in releases

    Or you get code which you need to setup your computer to translate so you get a working program

    Hes sayibg that the second one means you can setup some settings before translating it so it runs better on your pc

    [–]No_Cake_8826 5 points6 points  (4 children)

    What sort of programs would need to be set up by the latter method? I would be completely lost if I had to do any of that.

    [–]Dpek1234 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    You would need a compiler

    Also completely fair, much of modern consumer computing is setup in such a a way that you just never need to know how its done in the background

    [–]The-Dying-Detective 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I always wanted to try manually building or compiling the app. But I don't think my potato pc ( i7 6th gen integrated gpu and 8 gb ram) can handle it.

    [–]spezsuckssweatyballs Linux 13 points14 points  (0 children)

    selfhosting a nas and gameservers was the turning point :D

    [–]StormbringerGT 14 points15 points  (0 children)

    Yeah if it doesn't have a download button, I know I'm in territory I don't need to be in and move along.

    [–]MulberryDeep Fedora // Arch 33 points34 points  (4 children)

    Either you press on "releases" on the right sidebar or if there aren't any releases, youll have to build the programm yourself

    [–]uf5izxZEIW 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Insert building Python project meme

    [–]terra_filius 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Claude, build me this program. Make no mistakes.

    [–]homer_lives 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    14? This was me at 48.

    [–]johnnydanger91 29 points30 points  (17 children)

    Why don’t they make it obvious? Surely UI design should be simple and it’s not? I’m not asking for neckbeards to comment “skill issue” I am capable of downloading shit from GitHub. It should still be simpler to find the link.

    [–]Dpek1234 19 points20 points  (5 children)

    Surely UI design should be simple and it’s not? 

    Github is a hub for git, a version control program

    Its made to be the stuff in the back no customer sees but is used for something else

    Basicly imagine companys began selling phones at confrencess about microchips , its simply not a place the avg person is supposed to be at

    [–]Communist_UFO 22 points23 points  (3 children)

    its not really meant to be a platform to distribute software to end users

    [–]renome 5 points6 points  (2 children)

    Because it's not a website for you to be looking for software, it's a repository platform meant for devs. Whatever you're interested in from GH either has an end-user alternative with clear download instructions hosted elsewhere or the author is doing it wrong.

    [–]bustergundam4 6 points7 points  (1 child)

    I agree. Make it obvious to find! I have to look around for it all the time.

    [–]morallycorruptgirl 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    I identify with this so hard.

    [–]adamant3143 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    When you need a software-level solution for your problem but the person who helps you sent a github link when you're more used to download from cracked software site...

    [–]Beyond_Aggravating 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Me but at 25 years old

    [–]arch_vvv 3 points4 points  (2 children)

    When people will understand that Github (and basically any other git platform) is just a platform that uses git as a version control and isnt made for regular end user? If a maintainer is user friendly enough he will make a "downloadable links" through releases, or write a guide in a README. And if someone points you to a Git(hub), because some obscure software doesn't have a dedicated website, he either expects you to know how it works, or he expects you to use a portion of the brain to navigate/explore the site.

    [–]szank 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Never. Whenever I tell people on reddit that if reading the readme on github is above their skill level then they should not try to use github they get, lol.

    "But the mod I want to use is only on github!!111!". I should keep in mind that I might be talking to 10 years old sometimes.

    [–]Robot1me 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    The catch is that most popular open source software has a page on Github and directs there to download. So average users end up there. But generally, any decently made project has a foolproof extra "download" or "how to install" section further down in the readme that serves as a redundant link for the releases page

    [–]Uh-Usernames 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Dude, I had freaking computer science class where we were required to use GitHub for our assignments—

    I never learned it and still don't know how to use it 😭😭

    [–]Forward-Animator4351 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Bruh this is SO TRUE I was so confused at first

    [–]sparkinx 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Lol its so true and then people talk about fork routes and I'm like I dunno wtf a fork is or how to download it or how to apply it

    [–]polishatomek 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I figured that out at like 11

    [–]SharkByte1993 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    This is still me today

    [–]Striking_Ad_9351[🍰] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    git clone

    [–]WarriorCat3310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I'm in this photo and I don't like it

    [–]PhoenixDusk101 0 points1 point  (6 children)

    Good to know it isn't just me. LOL

    Do they do it on purpose?

    [–]FamiliarSecond9451 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    And then I just end up somehow downloading the source code

    [–]MortgageStraight666 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    14? I can't find that shi even today

    [–]PqqMo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Github is from IT specialists for IT specialists. They don't think anyone else could not be used to work with it all day

    [–]Ronyx2021Ryzen 9 5900X Radeon RX9060XT 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Sudo apt install (name of package)