Create AppImage from binary

Building & Packaging
1

Hey everybody,

I’ve successfully compiled FreeCAD using the Ubuntu docker. First time compiling FreeCAD and first time dealing with docker files :mrgreen: I’m able to start the compiled version from within the docker and get it displayed using Ubuntu with Wayland too. I’ve to write down my findings but I’d like to go one step further.

I’m debugging an issue related to my SpaceMouse. I’d like to take any unnecessary things out of the equation (like trying to pass the SpaceMouse input into the docker container and into the GUI). That’s why I’d like to run the binary on my (regular) host system but without having to install all the dependencies. Normally, I’m using the AppImage. I thought it’d be great if I could use my compiled FreeCAD version, make an AppImage out of it and launch that AppImage on my host system. I’ve checked out the AppImage docs regarding the packaging but after I’ve ran

make install DESTDIR=AppDir

from my container within the FreeCAD build directory, a lot of stuff is missing in AppDir which is part of an normal AppImage.

If I understood it correctly, the AppImage stuff for FreeCAD is published here: FreeCAD-Bundle and conda is used to get all the dependencies. Could / should I use that to build my own AppImage or would it be a good way to make it work with my docker workflow? I’m still hoping that it’s not that hard to get to an working AppImage, starting from a system where everything is working fine regarding the compilation (docker container). :unamused:

Can anybody help me regarding this last step of creating an FreeCAD AppImage out of a self compiled FreeCAD version?

Thank you very much! I’ve (again) learned a lot so far.

2

if you want to use the scripts from that repo you have to build in a conda environment. Making an appimage from an ubuntu build using dependencies from the distro should be possible but I’ve never been quite successful. Search for scripts to make appimages out of packages.

3

I see, haven’t worked with conda before. I think for now I’m going to compile on Ubuntu (either using Docker or native system). I’ve set up Ubuntu 23.05 on a spare SSD. This should work regarding my SpaceMouse issues.

Thank you for taking the time!