Side by side
Gentoo Portage vs pkgin
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 Linux
Portage provides Gentoo’s core package installation, dependency handling, and maintenance system. Its flexibility is useful for administrators, but the many options and risks from external repositories require care.
Visit Gentoo Portage Free plan LinuxMac
pkgin offers comprehensive pkgsrc binary-package management across several Unix-like platforms. Its dependency tools and package inspection are useful, but repository setup and regular database updates are part of normal use.
Visit pkginThe facts
| Gentoo Portage | pkgin | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | wiki.gentoo.org | pkgin.net |
| On package managers | #74 of 93 | #78 of 93 |
Gentoo Portage: what it does well
- Resolves dependencies during installation
- Builds software from source or installs binaries
- Supports offline installation
- Includes repository and system maintenance utilities
- Configurable through files and environment variables
What to know first
- Configuration terminology can be confusing initially
- Third-party repositories may contain malicious software
- Linux platform only
pkgin: what it does well
- Search, install, remove, and upgrade packages
- Automatic orphan-dependency removal
- Direct, full, and reverse dependency trees
- SQLite package database
- pkg_chk list import and export
What to know first
- Requires regular pkgin update commands
- Building from source needs four libraries
- Command-line tool rather than graphical manager
- Repository configuration is required
Alternatives to Gentoo Portage Alternatives to pkgin The whole list