Re: [HACKERS] DEC OSF1 Compilation problems

Bruce Momjian <maillist@candle.pha.pa.us> writes:
>> 4. (old bug) Inastalation fail if prefix directory 
>> (e.g /usr/local/pgsql) doesn't exists

> I am fixing this now.

Are you sure it's a good idea to do anything other than fail?

In a typical setup, the parent directory of the install target
(ie, /usr/local) is going to be owned by root.  If you are able
to create the install target it means the installation is being
done as root.  We do *not* want to encourage people to install
as root, methinks.

I think the correct response is to leave the software alone and
fix the documentation to remind people to create the top-level
directory (as root) before running "make install" (as postgres).
/usr/local/pgsql should be owned by postgres, so the install can
proceed from that point without root privileges.
        regards, tom lane