For developers leveraging the Hiawatha web server, streamlining the installation process on Debian systems can significantly optimize your workflow. As shared by Hugo Leisink on the Hiawatha forum, using the script extra/make_debian_package can be a straightforward way to be alerted about any missing dependencies. Specifically, these alerts help identify which development packages need to be installed. A critical package for this process often includes zlib1g-dev, a widely-used library for data compression. To install this and other necessary dependencies, you can execute the command sudo apt-get install zlib1g-dev in your terminal. This will ensure you have the basic components required for seamless operation.
Preparing Your Debian System
Before starting the installation of Hiawatha, it’s important to confirm that your Debian system is fully updated. Running sudo apt-get update routinely ensures that all packages, including dependencies for Hiawatha, are current and security patches are applied.
Using the Debian Package Script
The extra/make_debian_package script is a valuable tool for Hiawatha developers. It provides a heads-up regarding missing dev packages, saving considerable troubleshooting time. By being proactive with this script, developers can ensure development activities aren't hindered by dependency-related issues.