No configure file

[markaudacity]

the build instructions say

run "./configure" in the top-level directory
There is no such script; configure.ac throws a bunch of errors

Is it actually possible to build pilot-link in 2024? This is hour three of trying to get it to build from here or install from the AUR.

[desrod]

You're building this from source, and so you have to generate the configure script yourself from the autotools base material.

If you want a release that contains ./configure, you can grab one of the releases from the Releases section, but these will almost certainly fail to build on any modern Linux system, given the huge number of library and dependency changes.

I haven't touched this code in years, and didn't realize people were still using Palm OS devices in modern times, but I'm willing to give it some care and feeding, if you're willing to help test functionality.

[PapayaJackal]

Hi @desrod,

I hope this message finds you well!

There are still many enthusiasts actively using PalmOS devices. Currently, the most vibrant community can be found in the PalmDB Discord, where Palm users and collectors connect and share their experiences. Many in the community are utilizing the WebUSB/WebSerial-based PilotBridge for HotSync operations.

On a related note, I recently managed to package pilot-link for NixOS using your repository, along with a couple of patches that were available on AUR. You can review the necessary changes that were made to facilitate the compilation on modern systems here: https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/tree/master/pkgs/by-name/pi/pilot-link

Additionally, I wanted to mention that JPilot has a new maintainer who has just released an update. They also maintain a patched fork of pilot-link, which is available through their Ubuntu PPA.

[desrod]

I'm not a fan of forks, so let's do what we can to avoid that. The project went dormant for years due to no contributions, and since I work for Canonical, having a Ubuntu PPA of pilot-link, when the maintainer works for Canonical, feels... off-balance.

Let me check what's broken and address that.

There are a lot of fixes I had planned for pilot-link in my notes before 3Com/Handspring/etc. torpedoed their own ship.

I also had no idea a discord had risen back up again on Discord. You should see me appear there shortly.

[dnastase]

I'm also interested in building this.

If you want a release that contains ./configure, you can grab one of the releases from the Releases section

I don't see any release in the Releases section ...

[CoSoCo]

I now found a way how to build pilot-link, libpisock etc. on Ubuntu 24.04, see:
https://forum-ubuntuusers-de.translate.goog/topic/make-von-aelteren-projekt-geht-nicht-mehr/2/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=de&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp#post-9468424

[NarakuITA]

I need some help. I am not an expert, but I am trying to compile and install pilot-link on my Antix 32bit distribution for an old toshiba laptop.
Now I have run:
git clone https://github.com/desrod/pilot-link.git
Then:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install build-essential autoconf automake libtool pkg-config

I don't know if the problem described in this thread is related to my problem, but I generated a log for you to look at:
https://codeshare.io/be6X67

If I'm not mistaken the error encountered is a syntax error in the ./configure file at line 18.676. Does this mean there is a problem in the source code of the configuration script?
I hope someone can help me.

[NarakuITA]

I finally solved it by finding an old version. I downloaded the i386 file for my distribution:
pilot-link_0.12.5-dfsg-2+b3_i386.deb
and then the missing dependencies it required.

pilot-xfer --version
   DEPRECATED: The application is calling print_splash()
   .--------------------------------------------.
   | (c) Copyright 1996-2006, pilot-link team   |
   |   Join the pilot-link lists to help out.   |
   `--------------------------------------------'
   This is pilot-xfer, from pilot-link version 0.12.5

   Build target..: i686-pc-linux-gnu
   Build date....: Aug  9 2015 14:25:03

   pilot-link 0.12.5 is covered under the GPL/LGPL
   See the file COPYING under docs for more info.

   Please use --help for more detailed options.