Translations:/etc/portage/make.conf/80/en

The DISTDIR variable defines the location where Portage will store the downloaded source code archives Its value defaults to /var/cache/distfiles on new installations. Previously the default was ${PORTDIR}/distfiles which resolved to /usr/portage/distfiles by default.

Users can set the DISTDIR variable in /etc/portage/make.conf:

Warning
Beware where you place your DISTDIR! Only trusted users should be granted write access to this location.

File integrity check and unpacking is a non-atomic operation, allowing for an attack where a file is swapped in between, possibly leading to compromise the system.

FILE /etc/portage/make.confUsing a different DISTDIR location

DISTDIR=/var/gentoo/distfiles

For more information, please refer to the DISTDIR article.