Make install, but not to default directories?

Question

I want to run \'make install\' so I have everything I need, but I\'d like it to install the things in their own folder as opposed to the system\'s /usr/bin etc. is that poss

Answer 1

It could be dependent upon what is supported by the module you are trying to compile. If your makefile is generated by using autotools, use:

--prefix=<myinstalldir>

when running the ./configure

some packages allow you to also override when running:

make prefix=<myinstalldir>

however, if your not using ./configure, only way to know for sure is to open up the makefile and check. It should be one of the first few variables at the top.