SWI-Prolog binary distribution for Linux
========================================

This directory holds the SWI-Prolog binary   distribution for Linux. The
current version supports the following architectures:

  * x86-linux (aka i?86-linux)
  * x86_64-linux

This  directory  may  be  installed  anywhere  in  the  filesystem.  The
executables are in the  directory  "bin".   The  executables  there  are
shell-scripts that start the most appropriate executable.

To make the executables publicably available do one of the following:

  1. Add the bin-directory to $PATH
  2. Create a symbolic link for each program from a directory in $PATH
     to the corresponding script or native executable.

The Unix manpages are in  the  directory   man.  These  may  be added to
$MANPATH or copied to another manual   directory. They belong in section
1.


Additional remarks
==================

  * Should I use the version of swi-prolog that comes with my distro?

    Many Linux distributions come with a package for SWI-Prolog, but
    many of them are old and some are broken, notably the graphics
    subsystem that is used for the development tools often does not
    work.  With this distribution we hope to provide a simple way
    for you to evaluate SWI-Prolog.  If you like this version and
    do not like the one that came with your distro, please contact
    the distro packager.

  * Why is this not an RPM/DEB/...?

  Because this is less dependent on a specific distribution.

  * Does this work on every Linux version?

    Unfortunately, no. Of course your CPU and kernel must be compatible.
    Still, different shared object versions may prevent this
    distribution from running. We distribute the most troublesome shared
    objects in lib/$arch/OS.

  * How to I quickly test this version?

    Try running "swipl".  If it gives you a prompt, you are half-way.
    If you have X11, try running (?- is the prompt, do not type that)

      ?- manpce.

    If this opens a small window and you can interact with it, your
    installation is probably ok.

  * What if this binary doesn't run?

    You may contact the mailinglist to see whether someone knows a way
    around. If that fails too, your best option is to grab the source
    and compile it yourself. On most systems this works flawlessly.

Further information
===================

Please visit http://www.swi-prolog.org for further information.