GNU Stow vs Mackup

Struggling to choose between GNU Stow and Mackup? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

GNU Stow is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like symlink, file-management, source-code, directory-organization.

It boasts features such as Manages symbolic links, Organizes software installed from source code into different directories, Symlinks software into a common location for easy access, Keeps different versions of software in separate directories without recompiling binaries and pros including Helps avoid clutter by separating software versions, Makes it easy to switch between software versions, Allows testing new versions without overwriting current installs, Simplifies access to commonly used software.

On the other hand, Mackup is a Development product tagged with settings, sync, migration, macos, linux, windows.

Its standout features include Syncs application settings and configuration files, Uses cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. for syncing, Supports Mac, Linux and Windows operating systems, Allows easy migration of settings across systems, Syncs settings for common apps like terminal, text editors, IDEs, Open source and free to use, and it shines with pros like Saves time when setting up new machines or reinstalling OS, Keeps app settings consistent across devices, Enables seamless workflow across operating systems, Open source and free to use, Active development and community support.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

GNU Stow

GNU Stow

GNU Stow is a symlink manager that helps organize software installed from source into different directories and symlink them into a common location for easy access. It keeps different versions in their own self-contained trees without having to recompile any binaries.

Categories:
symlink file-management source-code directory-organization

GNU Stow Features

  1. Manages symbolic links
  2. Organizes software installed from source code into different directories
  3. Symlinks software into a common location for easy access
  4. Keeps different versions of software in separate directories without recompiling binaries

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Helps avoid clutter by separating software versions

Makes it easy to switch between software versions

Allows testing new versions without overwriting current installs

Simplifies access to commonly used software

Cons

Can be complex for new users

Requires some knowledge of symlinks

Not compatible with all software installation methods

May require adjusting scripts/config files when switching versions


Mackup

Mackup

Mackup is an open-source tool that syncs application settings and configuration files across systems using cloud storage services. It supports Mac, Linux and Windows and allows easy migration and syncing of settings for common apps like terminal themes and preferences, text editors, and developer tools.

Categories:
settings sync migration macos linux windows

Mackup Features

  1. Syncs application settings and configuration files
  2. Uses cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. for syncing
  3. Supports Mac, Linux and Windows operating systems
  4. Allows easy migration of settings across systems
  5. Syncs settings for common apps like terminal, text editors, IDEs
  6. Open source and free to use

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

Pros

Saves time when setting up new machines or reinstalling OS

Keeps app settings consistent across devices

Enables seamless workflow across operating systems

Open source and free to use

Active development and community support

Cons

Relies on third-party cloud storage services

Limited app support compared to commercial solutions

Manual intervention needed for some apps

Not intuitive for non-technical users