Which sequence best describes typical steps to compile software from a tarball?

• A. Navigate into the folder
• B. Download it; Make a /src folder; Extract the tarball; Navigate into the folder; ./configure; make; sudo make install; type PROGRAMNAME
• C. Download; Run make; Install
• D. Unpack; Configure; Build

Answer: (B)

Compiling from a tarball typically follows a clean, standard flow: fetch the archive, put the sources in a build area, unpack, move into the project directory, configure to tailor the build to your system, compile, and then install. The build configuration step (./configure) checks for dependencies and generates the appropriate Makefiles, which are then used by make to compile the program. Installing (often with sudo make install) places the binaries in the system paths so you can run them, and you may test by invoking the program by its name.

This sequence is best because it covers all essential stages in the right order and aligns with common tarball projects that require a configured build before compilation and a formal install step. The other options omit critical steps: one skips unpacking and configuration, another omits configuring and installing, and a third leaves out the initial download and the full install process.