NOSS install guide: OpenSSL build instructions are Mac-specific without context; lack guidance for other platforms and architectures

[travisamartin]

Description

In the Installing NGINX Open Source documentation, the instructions for building OpenSSL assume a MacOS Intel (x86_64) environment:

./Configure darwin64-x86_64-cc --prefix=/usr

However:

• The documentation does not explain that this command is specific to MacOS (Intel architecture).
• No guidance is given for users on ARM-based Macs (e.g., M1, M2), who would require a different configuration target such as darwin64-arm64-cc.
• No instructions are provided for Linux, Windows/WSL, or other platforms, despite OpenSSL being available cross-platform.
• No links are provided to OpenSSL's documentation for identifying the correct configuration target.

This can lead to installation errors or confusion for users who are not on Intel-based Macs.

Suggested Fixes

• Add a note clarifying that the provided command is specific to Intel-based MacOS systems.
• Provide guidance for Apple Silicon (ARM64) users, suggesting use of darwin64-arm64-cc.
• Offer alternative guidance for Linux users (e.g., typically running ./config without a platform target).
• Add a link to the OpenSSL INSTALL.md for users to find the correct build targets for their system.
• Optionally, split the OpenSSL instructions into MacOS and Linux sections if commands differ significantly.

Priority

Medium–High — This impacts a wide range of users compiling from source, especially those using newer Apple Silicon Macs or Linux systems.

Screenshots