Is there any alternative to MacPorts?
Question
MacPorts became really a pain because it does compile the packages on your machine, like the infamous gentoo and I would like something with a smaller footprint on your machine.
I know that Fink and other solutions exists but from what I remember form few years ago they are less maintained than macports.
I would like to read a more informed opinion regarding which solution would be optimal and why.
Solution
Alternatives for MacPorts
Homebrew
- Uses OS X binary versions when available
- Compiles OS X optimized versions
- Compiling usually faster than with MacPorts
- Easy to use, e.g. to install wget:
$ brew install wget
- Tries to separate already installed software from what is installed through
brew
… - … while taking advantage of already installed software and libraries (e.g. doesn't install a working version of Perl twice)
- Installing software doesn't need root access
- Actively developed on github
Fink
- Uses Debian tools like
dpkg
andapt-get
- Easy to use, e.g. to install wget:
$ fink install wget
- Can be used to install precompiled packages or to compile everything from the source
- Has a separate directory tree to avoid interference with the system
Rudix
- Last version 2010-04-10
MacLibre
- Has GUI
- Nothing new on the website since 2008
OTHER TIPS
Yes, you can try Homebrew
Macports now provides compiled binaries for Snow Leopard and Lion for normal options.
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