Mac – ny alternative to MacPorts

finkmacports

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.

Best Answer

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 and apt-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
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