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We've compiled a list of 9 free and paid alternatives to Fink. The primary competitors include Chocolatey, Homebrew. In addition to these, users also draw comparisons between Fink and Homebrew Cask, Advanced Package Tool, MacPorts. Also you can look at other similar options here: About.


Chocolatey
Open Source

Chocolatey NuGet is a Machine Package Manager, somewhat like apt-get, but built with Windows in...

Homebrew
Free Open Source

The missing package manager for macOS (or Linux).

Homebrew Cask
Free Open Source

Homebrew-cask provides a friendly homebrew-style CLI workflow for the administration of Mac...

MacPorts
Free Open Source

The MacPorts Project is an open-source community initiative to design an easy-to-use system for...

Rudix
Free Open Source

Rudix is a package-based, user-friendly way to extend the Unix portion of Mac OS X with additional...

Mas CLI
Free Open Source

Mac App Store command line interface

Nix Package Manager
Free Open Source

Nix is a powerful package manager for Linux and other Unix systems that makes package management...

Cakebrew
Free Open Source

Homebrew GUI app for macOS

What is Fink? Fink is a project that wants to bring the full world of Unix Open Source software t...

Fink Platforms

tick-square Mac

Fink Overview

What is Fink?

Fink is a project that wants to bring the full world of Unix Open Source software to Darwin and Mac OS X. As a result, we have two main goals. First, to modify existing Open Source software so that it will compile and run on Mac OS X. (This process is called porting.) Second, to make the results available to casual users as a coherent, comfortable distribution that matches what Linux users are used to. (This process is called packaging.) The project offers precompiled binary packages as well as a fully automated build-from-source system.

Why use Fink?

Five reasons to use Fink to install Unix software on your Mac:

Power. Mac OS X includes only a basic set of command line tools. Fink brings you enhancements for these tools as well as a selection of graphical applications developed for Linux and other Unix variants.

Convenience. With Fink the compile process is fully automated; you'll never have to worry about Makefiles or configure scripts and their parameters again. The dependency system automatically takes care that all required libraries are present. Our packages are usually set up for their maximum feature set.

Safety. Fink's strict non-interference policy makes sure that the vulnerable parts of you Mac OS X system are not touched. You can update Mac OS X without fear that it will step on Fink's toes and vice versa. Also, the packaging system lets you safely remove software you no longer need.

Coherence. Fink is not just a random collection of packages, it is a coherent distribution. Installed files are placed in predictable locations. Documentation listings are kept up to date. There's a unified interface to control server processes. And there's more, most of it working for you under the hood.

Flexibility. You only download and install the programs you need. Fink gives you the freedom to install XFree86 or other X11 solutions in any way you like. If you don't want X11 at all, that's okay too.

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Fink Tags

distribution unix gnome kde gnu

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