How do I install program only for a local user in Linux?

Question

Is there a simple way of installing a program in linux only for a single user. I need to install Biopython for only my log-in. I dont have root privileges on the system.

Answer 1

Just build the project as usual, but configure the install directory to be either /home/usr/bin or /usr/local/bin.

Answer 2

You can always download and compile the program in your home directory (in ~/apps), and then just invoke the executable (possibly add ~/apps/specificapp/bin/specificapp to your PATH). Don't forget to chmod it so it is executable.