Difference between .src.rpm & .tar.gz packages

I know what are .rpm packages (they are precompiled for specific kernel and architechture) but i don't know the difference between the - .src.rpm & .tar.gz packages and how to use them. please anybody explain me thoroughly. thanks.

[mojo jojo]

hey the .src.rpm is a source rpm which I cant really explain but maybe someone here can.

a .tar.gz file is a archived file(s) like WinZip. to extract it you just type "tar -xzvf <filename>.tar.gz usually if it is a program you need to compile it. like so.

./configure
make
su
<password>
make install
make clean <--optional

hope this helps ;D

[trickster]

A tar.gz package is (usually) the uncompiled source code for the application. You need to follow the instructions for that specific package, in order to install it.

A src.rpm file is also uncompiled source, but it will, usually, build an rpm package for you, instead of just installing the application. This is useful because it allows you to remove the application easily in case you ever wanted to.

To build an rpm package from a src.rpm, try

rpmbuild --rebuild nameofpackage.src.rpm

[pbharris]

the src.rpm also puts a tar.gz in /usr/src/<distro>/SOURCE and the spec in /usr/src/<distro>/SPECS/

thanks to mojo jojo, trickster & pbharris to explain me this clearly.