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Asked: 2024-09-26T22:44:32+05:30 In:

How can I compile and install Popcorn Time from its source files on Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to get Popcorn Time up and running on my Ubuntu machine, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure. I’ve heard that compiling and installing it from the source files can be a great way to get the latest features and fixes, but honestly, I’m feeling a bit lost in the process.

So, here’s what I’ve done: I found the source files on GitHub and have them downloaded. But after that, things get murky. I’m not super experienced with compiling software, and the last thing I want is to mess up my system because I followed some outdated instructions or missed some crucial steps. I saw some guides online, but they seem to vary a lot — some say I need to install certain packages first, while others mention different libraries or dependencies.

I’ve tried installing the `git`, `node.js`, and `npm` packages as they were mentioned in a couple of forums, but then there were other folks saying I need `libx11-dev` and `libxrandr-dev` too. Adding to the confusion, there was this weird error that popped up when I ran the build command, something about missing a file. At that point, I was just staring at my terminal like, “What now?”

What I’m looking for is a clear step-by-step process from someone who’s been through the wringer with this or a recent guide that actually worked. I don’t need a full-on tech lecture — just something straightforward that might save me some headache. If you could break it down in a way that someone who’s not a coding wizard can follow, that would be epic.

Honestly, I just want to stream some shows and movies without any hassle, you know? Any help would be awesome, whether it’s tips, warnings, or even a “don’t bother with this method.” I’m all ears! Thanks in advance for any guidance!

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    2 Answers



    1. Getting Started with Popcorn Time on Ubuntu

      How to Compile and Install Popcorn Time on Ubuntu

      Installing Popcorn Time from source can definitely be a bit tricky, but I’ve got your back! Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get it running on your Ubuntu machine:

      Step 1: Install Dependencies

      Before you start compiling, you need to make sure you have all the necessary packages and libraries. Open your terminal and run the following command:

      sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install git nodejs npm libx11-dev libxrandr-dev libxss-dev

      This will install the essential packages that Popcorn Time needs to work.

      Step 2: Clone the Repository

      Next, you need to clone the Popcorn Time source code from GitHub. Run this command in your terminal:

      git clone https://github.com/popcorntime-io/desktop.git

      This will download the latest source files into a folder named “desktop”.

      Step 3: Navigate to the Source Directory

      Change your current directory to the one you just cloned:

      cd desktop

      Step 4: Build Popcorn Time

      Now it’s time to build the application. Run the following command:

      npm install

      This might take a while as it installs all necessary Node.js packages.

      Once that’s done, run this to build the project:

      npm run build

      Step 5: Start Popcorn Time

      If everything went smoothly, you should be able to start Popcorn Time with:

      npm start

      Troubleshooting

      If you encounter missing files or errors during the build process, double-check that you installed all the dependencies. Sometimes libraries change, and you might need to refer back to the Popcorn Time GitHub page for updates.

      Final Notes

      Remember, stay patient! Compiling software can take time, and sometimes you’ll run into weird errors — it’s part of the learning process. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to ask for help on forums like Reddit or Stack Overflow.

      Good luck with your movie streaming, and enjoy Popcorn Time!



    2. To get Popcorn Time running on your Ubuntu machine from source, follow this step-by-step guide. First, ensure you have the essential packages required for building the software. Open your terminal and install the necessary dependencies by running:

      sudo apt update
sudo apt install git nodejs npm build-essential libx11-dev libxrandr-dev

      Once you have the dependencies installed, navigate to the directory where you downloaded the Popcorn Time source files. You can compile the files using the following commands:

      git clone https://github.com/popcorn-official/popcorn-desktop.git
cd popcorn-desktop
npm install
npm run build

      If you encounter any errors related to missing files while running `npm install`, ensure that you have all the required libraries above. If it compiles successfully, you can start the application with:

      npm start

      Should you run into any further issues or if the build takes an unexpected turn, consider checking Popcorn Time’s GitHub Issues page for community support or bug reports. This step-by-step should help you get through the process smoothly and enjoy streaming your favorite shows and movies!


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