Linux: where to install/unpack programs manually

Question

Where to unpack programs in Linux e.g. Tomcat binary?

Is there a common location as in Windows, i.e. Program Files... which won't be overwritten during Linux upgrade.

Is it a good approach to unpack it in, let's say: /home/user/PRG location. Thanx!

Answer 1

There are several places to put third party software, it's really up to you, but preferably:

/opt

as the name implies 'optional packages' - so tomcat could go in /opt/tomcat

Or for single file applications such as scripts etc., go for

/usr/local