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I now understand the major differences between source release and binary release of a software. A good question here.

I needed to install Node.js on a Linux machine, and chose binary release because it requires no compilation/installation. I downloaded the tar, unzipped the file, and it's ready-to-go.

My question is, when both choices are available, for what reasons would a person choose source over binary?

The only thing I can think of is that the person wishes to read/study the source code.

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You need a source release when:

  • There are no pre-compiled binaries for your platform. You have to build them yourself.
  • You want to compile it into your project.
  • You want to make changes (although you'd better be using git for that).
  • You want to comply to the open source license when using it in your product.
    Eg: with gpl you must provide the source when someone asks.
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If I were installing it locally I doubt I'd be as fussed with someone asking to see my machine to see that source code.

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