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Asked: 2024-09-26T14:04:38+05:30 In:

I’m encountering an issue while trying to compile Vim from source on my Ubuntu system. The error message indicates that there is no terminal library found, which prevents the build process from completing successfully. Can anyone provide guidance on how to resolve this problem and ensure that all necessary libraries are properly installed for compiling Vim?

I’ve been trying to compile Vim from source on my Ubuntu system, and I’m hitting a serious roadblock. Whenever I run the make command, I get this frustrating error message saying that there’s no terminal library found. It seems like it’s halting the entire build process, and I’m not sure how to get past this issue.

I’ve done a bit of digging, and it looks like the terminal library is essential for Vim to function correctly, but I don’t know how to make sure I have everything configured properly. I thought I had all the necessary dependencies installed, but clearly, I must have missed something crucial.

I went through the README file provided with the source code, and it mentioned some libraries that I should have, but honestly, I didn’t fully understand what they all were. I’ve tried installing what I thought were the relevant packages, but this issue keeps cropping up, and it’s driving me a little crazy. I’m also not super experienced with compiling from source, so I’m worried that I might be missing some basic step.

To make matters worse, I’ve been relying on a few online tutorials, but they seem to be a bit outdated. I’m using Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, so I’m wondering if there have been any changes regarding dependencies or if there are specific commands I should run to ensure everything is in place.

If anyone has faced a similar situation or knows which libraries I should specifically look for to install, I’d really appreciate any tips or command suggestions. Also, are there common pitfalls to avoid while trying to compile Vim that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! I just want to get Vim up and running so I can stop using the stock version and start customizing it to fit my workflow.

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    2 Answers


    1. Compiling Vim on Ubuntu: Troubleshooting Terminal Library Issues

      So, you’re hitting a wall with that terminal library error while trying to compile Vim? That can definitely be frustrating, especially if you’re not super experienced with building software from source.

      Here’s a quick guide to help you out:

      1. Install Required Packages: Make sure you have all the necessary dependencies. Open up your terminal and try running this command:
        2.             sudo apt-get install build-essential ncurses-dev git
      2. Check Your Terminal Library: Since the error mentions a terminal library, it’s usually related to ncurses. Just installing ncurses-dev as shown above should help, but you might also want to check for libncurses5-dev and libncursesw5-dev: 
                    sudo apt-get install libncurses5-dev libncursesw5-dev
      3. Run the Configure Script: Before you run make, don’t forget to run the ./configure script from the Vim source directory. This helps set everything up properly according to your system’s installed libraries:
        4.             ./configure
      4. Try Making Again: Now give make another shot:
        5.             make

      Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For:

      • Make sure you’re in the correct directory of the Vim source code before running make.
      • Sometimes permissions can be an issue. If you’re having trouble, try running as superuser but generally, avoid using sudo make unless necessary.
      • If you still face issues, check the config.log file generated in the Vim source directory. It can provide clues on what went wrong.

      Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll be able to get past that annoying error and get Vim up and running! Happy coding!




    2. Compiling Vim on Ubuntu: Troubleshooting Terminal Library Error

      If you’re encountering the error indicating that there’s no terminal library found during the compilation of Vim on your Ubuntu system, it’s likely that you’re missing the necessary development packages. For Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, ensure you have the required dependencies installed by executing the following command in your terminal:

      sudo apt-get install build-essential ncurses-dev

      The `build-essential` package provides the compiler and other tools needed for compiling software, while `ncurses-dev` is crucial for terminal handling functionalities in Vim. After installing these packages, you should be able to rerun the make command without hitting the terminal library error. Be sure to also check any additional libraries mentioned in the Vim README file, as you may find others necessary based on the features you want to enable in Vim. Look for libraries related to UI, such as GTK or GUI toolkits if you’re looking into a graphical version.

      In addition to ensuring that you have all the dependencies, it’s beneficial to clean up previous build attempts if you encounter errors. You can do this by running make distclean before starting the compilation process again. Another common pitfall is not reading the output logs carefully; they often contain hints on missing dependencies or other issues. If problems persist, consider using package managers like apt to install pre-built versions of Vim or explore pre-configured scripts available through community repositories. These methods can save time and provide insights into the compilation process. Your goal to customize Vim is achievable, and sorting out these issues will set a solid foundation for your workflow improvements.


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