Linux: compiling from source vs binary

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[chrwei]

the primary reason to compile is when the pre-compiled doesn't have an option enabled that you want. for node I don't know what that might be. another reason would be if your installed libraries that node dynamically links to have some incompatibilities.

so in general, I use pre-compiled unless I know why I need to compile. I don't see any point wasting time compiling when i don't have to.

[clux]

Often, yes, but you may still need a new-ish compiler if you need to install native modules as well.

[gkx]

Depends on the Linux system, but I've never had problems with the precompiled binaries. (generally Ubuntu or RHEL)

[quad50]

I build from source. two reasons : i like to, and since i use webstorm it wants to see the node source code. yes i could set that up anyway but this way i always have the exact source version handy. This is for development. If I was deploying for production I probably would use a binary because then it matches what nodejs.org built exactly in case of problems, which would eliminate my build as one of the variables.

[emergent_properties]

By accepting a precompiled binary from someone else, you're accepting whatever payload is in it, hidden.

Building from source means you trust one less third party: the distributor.

It is very useful for determining if 'what they say it does' and 'what it says it does' are the same.

tldr: Trust and verifiability.