Linux Mint Forums

When I install a piece of software, the directions often say something like this: "Add the following two lines to your /etc/apt/sources.list file. The two lines begin with this:

deb http...
deb-src http...

It is my understanding that the "deb-src http" line has to do with getting source code, and since I never compile packages, I don't add that line. And I haven't noticed any negative results.

Just curious... what do others do? Is there any other reason to add the "deb-src http" line that I might be missing?

Hi bobsmith,
Yes, you are right, it is not required. Just makes mintUpdate check more databases on startup, but it does provide the changelog info.
As simply as possible; Open Source Software requires providing both the software AND the source code to the end user, to comply with the Open Source Initiative.

http://www.opensource.org/docs/osd

regards, Richard

Thanks Richard!