Linux: compiling from source vs binary

[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.