Bug 237943

Version:           latest kde 443 (using KDE 4.4.3)
Compiler:          cc (GCC) 4.3.3 
OS:                Linux
Installed from:    Compiled From Sources

Hi,

Is is too much to ask that when you release a version of KDE that (1) you include *ALL* of the sources needed for a complete build, (2) verify that those sources are the proper versions, (3) that you verify that the build works on a CLEAN machine which is not full of some developer's unknown versions of God-knows-what components, and (4) that you follow your own, public build instructions when verifying the build works?

I've been trying to build KDE 4.4.3 from scratch.  I downloaded the files you specified and followed the various versions of HOW-TO-BUILD-KDE notes which can be found under the KDE website.

This has been an exercise in total frustration.  The files you give for building KDE are missing things all over the place, and when we go and get them its a pure shot in the dark as to whether we'll get a compatible version.  I've finally given up trying.

Components which should have been included in the 4.4.3 file set but which are not: Qt-kde, soprano, phonon, attica, akonadi, and probably others which I didn't get to yet.  I had to dig sources out of other places like kdesupport/ and other websites.  Why is kdesupport not part of the advertised set of downloads, for example?

Developers sometimes forget that not everyone is a developer.  There ARE people like me out here who want to use your product but do not have years of experience working with your product, so we neither know the tricks nor know who to contact for new tricks.

Having just one person verify the files, versions, instructions, and the build BEFORE you release would save countless hours for people all over the world who are trying to use your product.

Jeff Barry