For developers setting up a new development environment, the process of installing essential tools, libraries, and frameworks can be tedious, repetitive, and time-consuming. To streamline this, many rely on package managers and app installers that quickly set up their dev stacks with minimal manual intervention. These tools automate the installation process, resolve dependencies, and provide version management across various platforms.
TLDR (Too long, didn’t read)
If you’re a developer setting up a new machine, using a package manager or app installer can save hours. Popular choices like Homebrew, Chocolatey, and Scoop are widely known, but alternatives such as Nix, SDKMAN!, and winget bring more flexibility and platform support. Each tool has its strengths depending on whether you’re on macOS, Windows, or Linux. Here’s a list of the top 8 package managers that accelerate dev stack setups efficiently.
1. Homebrew – The macOS Powerhouse (Also for Linux)
Platform: macOS, Linux
Why developers love it: Homebrew is the de facto package manager for macOS. It simplifies the process of installing UNIX tools, libraries, and applications that Apple doesn’t include by default. With Homebrew, developers can install their favorite programming languages, databases, and development tools with a single command.
Key Features:
- Wide package availability via ‘formulae’
- User-friendly and readable commands
- Community-supported and frequently updated
2. Chocolatey – The Windows Giant
Platform: Windows
Why developers love it: Chocolatey brings the convenience of package management to Windows, allowing developers to install both software and tools through simple PowerShell or command prompt commands. From Visual Studio Code to Git, almost everything can be installed using Chocolatey packages.
Key Features:
- Supports GUI, console, and CLI apps
- Useful in enterprise environments with automation tools
- Thousands of community-maintained packages
3. Scoop – No Admin Required
Platform: Windows
Why developers love it: Scoop targets developers who want simplicity. Unlike Chocolatey, Scoop doesn’t require administrative permissions and installs apps into the user profile. It focuses on minimalist tools and is excellent at managing developer-centric packages like Node.js, Python, and Git.
Key Features:
- No registry pollution
- Installs binaries to one directory for easy access
- Supports custom buckets (repositories of apps)
4. winget – The Official Windows Package Manager
Platform: Windows 10/11
Why developers love it: Microsoft’s winget is comparatively new but quickly evolving. Integrating deeply with the Windows ecosystem, winget makes it possible to install desktop and CLI applications from a verified Microsoft source with speed and reliability.
Key Features:
- Official support and deep OS integration
- Active development and simplified syntax
- Good for automating workstation provisioning
5. APT (Advanced Package Tool) – The Debian/Ubuntu Favorite
Platform: Linux (Debian-based)
Why developers love it: APT is the backbone of package management for Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu. It fetches packages and their dependencies from robust repositories and has been a trusted tool in Linux distros for decades.
Key Features:
- Built-in with most Debian-based systems
- Well-documented and reliable
- Automation-friendly through shell scripts
6. Nix – Reproducible and Declarative
Platform: Linux, macOS with experimental Windows support
Why developers love it: Nix breaks the traditional mold by enabling declarative and reproducible builds. It allows multiple versions of the same software to coexist without conflicts by using isolated environments. Ideal for developers working in research, academia, or multi-platform environments.
Key Features:
- Unique dependency isolation system
- Enables reproducible development environments
- NixOS offers system-wide reproducibility as well
7. Pacman – The Arch Linux Workhorse
Platform: Linux (Arch-based)
Why developers love it: Pacman is tightly integrated with Arch Linux and its derivatives like Manjaro. Known for performance and power-user flexibility, Pacman is a favorite among Arch enthusiasts who value minimalism and control.
Key Features:
- Fast and lightweight
- Access to Arch User Repository (AUR)
- One command for install, upgrade, remove, etc.
8. SDKMAN! – Java Ecosystem Manager
Platform: macOS, Linux, WSL
Why developers love it: SDKMAN! is tailored specifically for managing parallel versions of tools in the JVM ecosystem. If you’re switching between Java, Kotlin, Maven, Gradle, or Scala versions, SDKMAN! ensures version consistency across projects with easy switching and scripting.
Key Features:
- Switch between multiple SDK versions in seconds
- Designed for JVM developers
- Script-friendly for CI/CD pipelines
Conclusion
Whether you’re on macOS, Windows, or Linux, there’s a package manager that aligns with your development style and needs. Tools like Homebrew and Chocolatey give you standardization, while others like Nix and SDKMAN! offer more specialized control. For any developer serious about productivity and environment consistency, mastering at least one of these tools is a must. They not only save time but ensure fewer headaches when working across machines and teams.
FAQs
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Q: Can I use more than one package manager on the same system?
A: Yes, though it’s best to avoid overlapping package responsibilities. For example, you can use winget for GUI apps and Scoop for CLI tools on Windows. -
Q: Is it safe to install packages from community-maintained repositories?
A: Generally yes, but always review the source or package manifest before installing from unofficial repositories. -
Q: Which package manager is best for automated setups on new machines?
A: Scripts using Homebrew, Chocolatey, APT, or winget are great options for creating reproducible, automated development setups. -
Q: What’s the difference between Scoop and Chocolatey?
A: Scoop simplifies CLI tool installs without admin rights, whereas Chocolatey installs a broader range of apps, including GUI applications, often requiring elevated permissions.
