How do you install an application that doesnt have makefile in folder?

Question

Sometimes I download applications and they don't include a makefile; just a bunch of source code and an executable application. For instance, I downloaded tor but it comes with the application and a folder full of source code. How can I actually install this in my system so I don't need to run it from my downloads folder? Also how do I add it to my taskbar/dock?

Also is there a way to install python programs instead of running them as "sudo python executable.py"?

I know this is possible because some distros like kali have tor pre-installed, but I would like to do this on Ubuntu.

Sorry if I'm not using correct terminology, I'm coming from a mac.

Answer 1

applications and they don't include a makefile

• That depends on what has provided the author of the program.
• Use the script autogen.sh or configure
• Read the instructions in INSTALL
• Read the instructions in README

• Create your own Makefile, eg:

  nano Makefile
  

  with the lines below

  helloworld : helloworld.c
    cc -o helloworld helloworld.c
  

  and run make

  make
  

• …

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install python programs instead of running them as "sudo python executable.py"

• Create a desktop file ReadMe

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some distros like kali have tor pre-installed

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:webupd8team/tor-browser
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install tor-browser