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Copilot AI commented Sep 11, 2025

Problem

The project was failing to build due to a missing readline library dependency, preventing users from successfully starting up the MiniShell project. The build process would fail with:

fatal error: readline/readline.h: No such file or directory

This made it impossible for new contributors or users to compile and run the minishell executable.

Solution

1. Resolved Build Dependencies

  • Identified that the GNU readline library development package was missing
  • The project requires libreadline-dev (Ubuntu/Debian) or readline (macOS) to compile successfully
  • Verified that the project builds and runs correctly after installing the dependency

2. Enhanced Documentation

Updated the README.md file to include comprehensive setup instructions:

Added Prerequisites Section:

  • Clear installation commands for Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt-get install libreadline-dev
  • Clear installation commands for macOS: brew install readline
  • Instructions provided in both English and Portuguese sections

Improved Build Instructions:

  • Step-by-step process from cloning to running
  • Clear separation between prerequisites and build steps
  • Added execution instructions for running the shell

Testing

  • ✅ Project builds successfully with make
  • ✅ Executable is created with proper permissions
  • ✅ MiniShell starts up correctly and displays prompt
  • ✅ Basic commands (like exit) work as expected
  • ✅ Clean build process works with make fclean && make

Impact

This fix resolves the primary blocker for project startup, enabling:

  • New contributors to successfully set up the development environment
  • Users to build and run the minishell without compilation errors
  • Improved onboarding experience with clear setup documentation

The changes are minimal and focused - only addressing the dependency issue and adding necessary documentation without modifying any core functionality.

Warning

Firewall rules blocked me from connecting to one or more addresses (expand for details)

I tried to connect to the following addresses, but was blocked by firewall rules:

  • esm.ubuntu.com
    • Triggering command: /usr/lib/apt/methods/https (dns block)

If you need me to access, download, or install something from one of these locations, you can either:


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Co-authored-by: LilianMS <100161978+LilianMS@users.noreply.github.com>
Copilot AI changed the title [WIP] project startup Fix project startup by resolving readline dependency and adding setup documentation Sep 11, 2025
Copilot AI requested a review from LilianMS September 11, 2025 20:23
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2 participants