Installing FlexPDE on Linux

To install FlexPDE on Linux, you must decompress and un-tar the distribution file and set links or environment variables to identify the FlexPDE installation. FlexPDE expects to be installed in the directory /usr/local/flexpde3 (note that this is different than previous versions). You can install FlexPDE in another directory if you wish, but in this case you must either:

• Global Installation:
  set a link in /usr/local/flexpde3 to point to the actual directory, as follows
  (become superuser)
  ln -s <install_directory> /usr/local/flexpde3

or

• Private Installation:
  set the environment variable FLEXPDEDIR to point to the actual directory. The method for doing this depends on the shell you are running. If you don't know how, read your documentation or ask your system administrator. (This variable will override the link in /usr/local/flexpde)  

 Whether the installation is from CDROM or Internet download, you must navigate to the folder containing the installation file. This file will have a name like

   fpde301linux86.tar.gz

(The "301" might be replace by another number, such as "301a". This is the version number of the release.)
("linux86" means this version is for Linux running on an Intel compatible "X86" computer. Be sure that the file you select identifies the correct hardware and operating system for your computer.)

Once you have located the appropriate file, do the following, using the correct file name in place of fpde301linux86   :

   0) (become superuser, if necessary)
   1) mkdir <install_dir>           { create the installation directory , for example "/usr/local/flexpde3" or "mydir/flexpde3"}
   2) cd <install_dir>            { go there }
   3) cp <location>/fpde301linux86.gz .   { copy the correct file from wherever it is - note the trailing "dot"}
   4) gunzip fpde300linux86.tar     { uncompress }
   5) tar xvfo fpde300linux86.tar      { un-tar }

This process will create the executable "flexpde3", as well as several directories of sample problems.

As noted above, you may need to set a link in /usr/local/flexpde3 or set an environment variable.

You will also want to add the flexpde installation directory to your path variable, or set a link to flexpde in a directory which is already in your path, so that flexpde can be initiated from a command line.

Note: Installation of FlexPDE usually requires administrator priveleges.

Note: We are not masters of the interoperability conditions for the various implementations of "X86" Linux.  You can help by informing us of incompatibilities between versions.