Fink
Fink is an open source package manager for Mac OS X that allows users to easily install free Unix software. It converts source packages into Mac OS X installers using its own build scripts.
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package-manager
mac-os-x
unix
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Fink: Open Source Package Manager for Mac OS X
Fink allows users to easily install free Unix software on Mac OS X, converting source packages into Mac OS X installers using its own build scripts.
What is Fink?
Fink is an open source package manager for Mac OS X that allows users to easily install a large number of Unix executable files. It converts source packages into Mac OS X installers using its own build scripts. Fink makes it easy to keep these packages up to date.
Some key things to know about Fink:
- Fink simplifies the installation of Unix software on Mac OS X. It handles acquiring source, patching, configuring and making that software.
- It uses its own build scripts to convert source packages into Mac OS X installers.
- Fink provides pre-compiled binary packages for quick installation without having to build them yourself.
- It maintains dependencies between packages, installing dependencies as needed.
- Fink includes a GUI installer to simplify installation further.
- It focuses primarily on free, open source Unix software rather than proprietary software.
- All Fink packages share a common base directory, making them easier to find.
In summary, Fink brings the power and simplicity of a Linux package manager like APT or Yum to Mac OS X, allowing easy installation and maintenance of Unix software.
Fink Features
Features
- Installs open source Unix software on Mac OS X
- Converts source packages into Mac installers using build scripts
- Manages dependencies between packages
- Supports many common Unix tools and libraries
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Easy installation of Unix software on Mac
Large collection of available packages
Simplifies building from source code
Free and open source
Cons
Less packages available than Homebrew
Slower installation than binary packages
Build scripts may need tweaking for some packages
Requires command line usage
Official Links
The Best Fink Alternatives
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