Installing Tar File in Ubuntu

Understanding Tar Files in Ubuntu

Tar files, commonly known with the extension .tar, are archives used frequently on Unix and Linux systems. They are a collection of files and folders wrapped into a single package. The term “tar” stands for Tape Archive, a throwback to when files were backed up to tape drives. In Ubuntu, tar files are often used for distributing application source code or backup purposes.

Why Use Tar Files?

Tar files are advantageous for several reasons:

• Compression: When combined with compression tools like gzip or bzip2, tar files can significantly reduce the size of the data, making it easier to transfer over the internet.
• Integrity: Tar files preserve file permissions and directory structures, ensuring that the data remains intact during transfer.
• Convenience: Packaging multiple files into a single tarball simplifies file management and distribution.

Preparing to Install a Tar File in Ubuntu

Before installing a tar file, it’s essential to ensure that your system meets the necessary requirements and that you have the appropriate tools installed.

Prerequisites

• A working Ubuntu system with administrative privileges.
• Basic knowledge of the command line interface (CLI).
• Ensure that the system is updated:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

• Install essential build tools:

  sudo apt install build-essential

Identifying the Tar File

Tar files can come in various formats, such as .tar, .tar.gz, or .tar.bz2. The extension indicates the type of compression used, if any. Recognizing the format is crucial as it determines the command you’ll use to extract the files.

Extracting Tar Files

The process of installing software from a tar file typically begins with extracting its contents. The tar command in Ubuntu is versatile and can handle various compression schemes.

Extracting .tar Files

To extract a .tar file, use the following command:

tar -xvf filename.tar

The flags used here are:

• -x: Extract files from an archive.
• -v: Verbosely list files processed.
• -f: Use archive file.

Extracting .tar.gz or .tgz Files

For .tar.gz or .tgz files, which are compressed with gzip, use:

tar -xzvf filename.tar.gz

The -z flag tells tar to decompress the archive using gzip.

Extracting .tar.bz2 Files

For .tar.bz2 files, compressed with bzip2, the command is:

tar -xjvf filename.tar.bz2

Here, the -j flag is used for bzip2 decompression.

Installing Software from a Tar File

Once the tar file is extracted, the next step is to compile and install the software. This process can vary depending on the software, but typically follows a similar pattern.

Configuring the Software

Navigate to the extracted directory and look for a file named README or INSTALL. These files often contain installation instructions. The first step is usually to run the configuration script:

./configure

This script checks your system for the necessary components to compile the software and creates a Makefile.

Compiling the Software

After configuring, compile the software using the make utility:

make

This step may take some time as it translates the source code into executable binaries.

Installing the Compiled Software

Once compiled, the software can be installed on the system. Typically, this requires administrative privileges:

sudo make install

This command will copy the binaries, libraries, and other necessary files to the appropriate directories on your system.

Managing Installed Software

Software installed from tar files doesn’t integrate with Ubuntu’s package management system. This means you’ll need to manage updates and removals manually.

Updating Software

To update software installed from a tar file, you’ll need to download the updated tar file, extract it, and repeat the installation process. Always check the software’s documentation for specific update instructions.

Uninstalling Software

Uninstalling can be more challenging. If available, you can run:

sudo make uninstall

from within the extracted directory. If this option is not available, you may need to manually remove the installed files.

Best Practices and Tips

• Always verify the integrity and authenticity of tar files before installation.
• Keep a log of where the software gets installed to simplify future updates or removals.
• Consider using a package manager like checkinstall to create a Debian package from the tar file, which can help with easier management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a tar file is safe to install?

Always download tar files from reputable sources. Check for digital signatures or checksums provided by the software developers to verify the file’s integrity.

Can I install a tar file using the Ubuntu Software Center?

No, the Ubuntu Software Center cannot install software from tar files. Installation must be done through the command line.

What should I do if the ‘./configure’ command doesn’t work?

Ensure you have all the necessary build tools installed and that you’re in the correct directory. If the problem persists, consult the software’s README or INSTALL files for guidance.

Is it possible to remove software installed from a tar file through the package manager?

No, unless you used a tool like checkinstall to create a Debian package during installation, you cannot use the package manager to remove the software.

What are the common issues faced during tar file installation?

Common issues include missing dependencies, permission errors, and problems during the compilation process. Always refer to the documentation provided with the software for troubleshooting steps.

References

For further reading and resources, consider the following:

• The official Ubuntu documentation: https://help.ubuntu.com/
• The GNU Tar manual: https://www.gnu.org/software/tar/manual/tar.html
• Online forums like Ask Ubuntu: https://askubuntu.com/
• Stack Overflow for troubleshooting specific issues: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/ubuntu