Using a local copy of automake/autoconf

The current requirement for automake is version 1.11.2, but this version is not yet routinely available for RedHat Enterprise 6.2. I detail here instructions to install a current version of automake/autoconf in your own home directory without needing administrator involvment.

Getting the software

• automake: http://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/automake/automake-1.12.5.tar.gz (current version as of 11/19/2012)

• autoconf: http://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/autoconf/autoconf-2.69.tar.gz

The version numbers may change with time.

Creating local directory

If necessary,

cd ~
mkdir usr
mkdir usr/local

Configuring the software

In the download directory,

tar xzf autoconf-2.69.tar.gz
tar xzf automake-1.12.5.tar.gz 
cd autoconf-2.69
./configure --prefix=/home/<username>/usr/local
make
make install
cd ../automake-1.12.5
./configure --prefix=/home/<username>/usr/local
make
make install

You need to replace <username> by your user name.

Running Dynare configuration and compilation

• Give access to the new version of the tools:

export PATH=/home/<username>/usr/local/bin:$PATH

• as usual, update configuration files, if necessary:

autoreconf -si

• compile the code:

make

• the next time that you update Dynare, you need to remember to issue the command:

export PATH=/home/<username>/usr/local/bin:$PATH

• before compiling.

Cleaning up

In the download directory,

rm autoconf-2.69.tar.gz
rm automake-1.12.5.tar.gz 
rm -r autoconf-2.69
rm -r automake-1.12.5