Tarball/Manual Build Helper

[mikejmorgan-ai]

Problem (Pain Point #21 - HIGH)

Manual builds from tarballs frequently fail due to missing headers and dependencies.

Solution

Build a tarball helper that:

1. Analyzes configure/CMakeLists for requirements
2. Installs missing -dev packages automatically
3. Tracks manual installations for cleanup
4. Suggests package alternatives when available

Bounty: $63 (+ $63 bonus after funding)

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Based on Linux Pain Points Research 2025-2026

[rakesh0x]

working on it @mikejmorgan-ai

[repairman29]

Hey there! This looks like something I could help with. I'd be happy to take a look and see what we can do.

(Found via Echeo)

[jeremylongshore]

I'd like to work on this! Already have CLA signature pending (#556) and PR #557 for the systemd helper.

Proposed implementation:

• Parse configure.ac, CMakeLists.txt, meson.build for dependencies
• Map requirements to apt packages (headers → -dev packages)
• Track manual installations in ~/.cortex/manual_builds.json
• Provide cleanup command to remove tracked packages
• Suggest packaged alternatives when available

Will follow the same pattern as systemd helper with Rich UI and full test coverage.

[Anshgrover23]

I'd like to work on this! Already have CLA signature pending (#556) and PR #557 for the systemd helper.

@jeremylongshore You would need to do the PR for CLA yourself.