zef
What zef is
zef is a free Linux command-line tool for managing Raku modules and distributions. Its install command accepts module identities, local paths, and URLs, working with Raku distributions, Git repositories, and tar.gz archives. Dependency resolution is supported. You can search for distributions, inspect metadata and dependencies, and use commands to build and test distributions. Searches use the Fez and REA ecosystem repository backends by default. Configuration supports plugins for repositories, fetching, extraction, building, testing, and reporting. Installations can target site, home, vendor, perl, or a custom location. Requested distributions are installed only after all phases complete successfully unless the operation is forced. The README says default fetching plugins support proxies, with settings depending on the backend program. Setup instructions cover manual installation with Raku and installation through Rakubrew. Upgrading distributions is marked beta. The listed Free plan costs nothing, and the repository links an Artistic-2.0 license.
Who it suits
zef suits Linux users who develop or maintain Raku modules from command-line environments. It is useful when dependency resolution, repository searches, testing, and configurable installation targets are needed.
What it does well
- Free Raku module management tool
- Resolves dependencies during installation
- Searches distributions and shows metadata
- Supports multiple repository and build plugins
- Offers several installation target locations
What to know first
- Linux platform is listed
- Distribution upgrades are marked beta
- No free trial is offered
- Proxy settings depend on backend programs
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Raku module management; upgrades are marked beta | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
zef covers installation, discovery, dependency handling, testing, and configurable repository workflows for Raku modules. Its Linux focus and beta upgrade status are key considerations.
Facts from zef's own pages
- Build and test
- The CLI includes commands to build and test distributions. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Dependency resolution
- Yes · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Installation targets
- Modules can be installed to site, home, vendor, perl, or a custom location. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Install modules
- The install command accepts module identities, local paths, and URLs. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Install safety
- During installation, requested distributions are installed only after all phases complete successfully, unless forced. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository links an Artistic-2.0 license. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Package formats
- Raku distributions; Git repositories; tar.gz archives; local paths · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Plugin configuration
- Configuration supports repository, fetcher, extractor, builder, tester, and reporter plugins. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Proxy support
- The README says all default fetching plugins support proxies, with settings depending on the backend program. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- zef is a tool for Raku module management. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Repositories
- By default, search uses the Fez and REA ecosystem repository backends. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Search and inspect
- zef can search for distributions and show distribution metadata and dependencies. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Setup
- The README documents manual installation with Raku and installation through Rakubrew. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Upgrade status
- The README marks upgrading distributions as beta. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where zef stands on Freedom251
- Package Managers#79 of 93