Side by side
Carthage vs Mix
Both stand on package managers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan iPhoneMac
Carthage provides dependency resolution and framework building while keeping project configuration under developer control. Its Apple-platform coverage, binary framework options, and Swift compatibility checks are useful, but cache and submodule use cannot be combined.
Visit Carthage
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Mix covers the main build, test, dependency, and release tasks in Elixir development. Its broad platform and dependency support make it useful for varied project setups.
Visit MixThe facts
| Carthage | Mix | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | mix.hexdocs.pm |
| On package managers | #49 of 93 | #45 of 93 |
Carthage: what it does well
- Free MIT-licensed software
- Supports lockfiles and private registry authentication
- Builds framework bundles and XCFrameworks
- Checks Swift version compatibility
- Offers package, Homebrew, MacPorts, and source installation
What to know first
- Build caching cannot be combined with Git submodules
- Official dynamic-framework support targets iOS 8 or later
- Requires manual control of project setup
Mix: what it does well
- Manages multiple dependency types
- Provides dependency resolution and lockfiles
- Supports custom command-line tasks
- Includes testing and release tasks
- Works across macOS, GNU/Linux, BSD, and Windows
What to know first
- Elixir v1.20.4 requires Erlang 27.0 or later
- Primarily designed for Elixir projects
- Offline installation still depends on available packages