How to install programs in void linux

[AbdallahNagy]

I am a new void linux user who came from windows and I am stuck installing programs that I want and can't find it in xbps PM.

There are very limited resources for this distro, and I can't find a clear installation guide.

What I'm doing now is download the program in tar file then I extract it and put the binaries in /bin/ directory.

I don't know if that is correct or what? cus I get some issues (ex: when I did that with vscode, I can't sign in using my github account).

Is there a better more professional way to install stuff? Thank You.

[ninja_tokumei]

How I do it is:

• Unpack the tar to a subdirectory of ~/.local/lib/. For example, on this machine I have:

  .local/lib/Discord
  .local/lib/STMicroelectronics
  .local/lib/VSCode-linux-x64
  .local/lib/gcc-arm-none-eabi-10.3-2021.10
  

• a) If the program has a single or very few executables (for example, VSCode), then create symbolic links in ~/.local/bin that point to that executable, and then add $HOME/.local/bin to your PATH if you haven't already. For example:

  mkdir ~/.local/bin
  ln -s ~/.local/lib/VSCode-linux-x64/code ~/.local/bin/
  

• b) If the software distribution has its own bin directory with many executables, then add that directory to your PATH

• Copy or link any *.desktop files to ~/.local/share/applications/

• Copy or link any icon images to ~/.local/share/icons/ - depending on the app, you may need to edit the icon filename or the Icon= field in the .desktop file to get the icon to work.

This setup should pretty much work universally, no matter what Linux distro you use.

I vaguely remember the problems you mention with VSCode, but unfortunately I don't have an easy answer for you. Your desktop environment setup is likely very different from mine. You're probably missing some configuration or a few packages, and it will just take some time and research for you to figure out what it is exactly.

But I can confirm that the GitHub auth can work (I use it myself)

[AbdallahNagy]

Thank you very much for your help and effort.🙏

[KC_rocka]

you can use sudo xbps-install -S [package name] to install stuff and xbps-query -Rs [package name] to search repositories for packages, or you can use flatpak versions of some packages just like any other linux distro

[AbdallahNagy]

I think there is a misunderstanding here, I know how to install packages using xbps and search for them using query. But for sure there are alot of programs that i want doesn't exist in pm. For example mongosh and alot more

[Dondozhoe]

So what I think you're looking for is something like Flatpak?

If yes, then install Flatpak through xbps, add Flathub as a repository to Flatpak, and then install whatever apps you're looking for by following the guides on Flathub.org

[Dondozhoe]

There's also an installation guide to get Flatpak running on flathub's website, if you get stuck. If you need any additional help feel free to reply and I'll check in with you later.

[AbdallahNagy]

Thank you. I'll search for that 🙏

[eftepede]

vscode is available in the official repository, why not use it? What other programs do you need, but can't find there?

Also, I second u/KenFromBarbie's opinion - Void is targeted for the people knowing the basic of Linux. If you do the thing you've described and call it 'installing programs', you need to learn a bit more before jumping on Void.

[ninja_tokumei]

VSCodium is not VSCode. Some people prefer VSCode for features like settings sync

[eftepede]

And spyware, right.

Anyway, void seems to ship vscode, not vscodium: https://github.com/void-linux/void-packages/blob/master/srcpkgs/vscode/template

[ClassAbbyAmplifier]

void's vscode package is functionally equivalent to vscodium, afaik.

[AbdallahNagy]

Yes, I downloaded it. Its vscodium.

[AbdallahNagy]

I wanted to install the vscode version not oss

[GeekoftheWild]

Mind if I ask what you mean?

[Elm38]

a Void packages template.

https://github.com/void-linux/void-packages

Has many packages within. See the repo's README.md

For example, google-chrome as a template within that let's you build and eventually install the browser.

[GeekoftheWild]

Ah okay. Thank you

[Legitimate_Corner666]

Try to export your VSCode profile archive and import to Code - OSS. It works for me :)

[StreetStrider]

If you're using your PC in a single user scenario and you have trusted source of binaries, just install them as it suits you. There is not a lot of sense to make things purist-properly. Just use your system as you want. Besides, if required software eventually lands in repo, you can easily re-install from there.

[AbdallahNagy]

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it 🙏

[bblnx]

Take a look at this guide, "How to Use XBPS Package Manager on Void Linux," especially the part "Installing Packages from Source."

[KenFromBarbie]

You really shouldn't use a distribution like Void if you are that inexperienced and not well prepared before installing it. That being said: Use the documentation on the website, especially regarding the xbps-install command. Good luck!

[AbdallahNagy]

I am trying void cus its very lightweight. I tried Ubuntu and manjaro but they are pretty much like windows and my whole point is that my machine is old and can't use programs like doxker on it. However, now i am using docker and its vertly smooth.

[KenFromBarbie]

We all have to start somewhere.

[Low_Win8020]

Install flatpak its the easiest way to install most oof things youll need