Are you using RPM, pre-compiled, or self compiled?

[haaseg]

I was looking at 5.1.24-stew a few minutes ago, and I was also checking out the eBay Heap patch.

It struck me that most people are probably just using either distribution or mysql provided packages (or host provided). I myself prefer using the pre-compiled binaries.

I was wondering how many people out there are actually patching/compiling their own mySQL server binaries and why?

[debug]

In most cases pre-built RPM included into your distribution repository is enough.
But sometimes it’s needed to apply some patch and change ./configure options - in this case I usually download source distribution from mysql.com, apply patches or correct spec-file to change ./configure options, and then build own RPM. I don’t like to install soft through ‘make install’, because it’s better to use package manager, it helps to keep files in system in order and prevents from different problems.

[debug]

Also sometimes it makes sense to apply patch, compile MySQL and then replace ‘mysqld’ file by new one - I use it when need to run patched version for some short time - usually for debugging purposes.

And what about ‘why patching’ - I do this only when needed, for example I apply microslow patch ( http://www.mysqlperformanceblog.com/2008/04/20/updated-msl-m icroslow-patch-installation-walk-through/#more-377) to have more precise logging of query execution time.