Installing packages from the AUR

Essentially:

  • Acquire the build files, including the PKGBUILD and possibly other required files, like systemd units and patches:

    git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/aurutils.git ~/builds/aurutils

  • Verify that the PKGBUILD and accompanying files are not malicious or untrustworthy.

  • In the directory where the files are saved, run:

    makepkg -sri

    This will download the code, resolve the dependencies with pacman, compile it, package it, and install the package.

AUR helpers

As of the date when this is being written, yay is the most complete and easiest AUR helper I’ve found, for my taste of course.