Side by side
Hex vs Rebar3
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 APISelf-hostedWeb
Hex combines package distribution and documentation with organization controls for private packages and policies. Its private-package dependency restriction is worth considering when planning how an organization will use it.
Visit Hex Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Rebar3 brings dependency management, build tasks, testing, and release creation to Erlang/OTP projects. Review the compatibility notes for the specific Erlang/OTP and Windows versions in use, and account for the code execution risk of downloaded components.
Visit Rebar3The facts
| Hex | Rebar3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Web | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Private Packages (annual): $90 per user a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Hex | Not published |
| Website | hex.pm | rebar3.org |
| On package managers | #24 of 93 | #28 of 93 |
Hex: what it does well
- Dependencies can be fetched without an account.
- Works with Mix, Rebar, and erlang.mk.
- Organizations can manage access to private packages.
- Supports self-hosting a package repository.
What to know first
- Private packages have a restricted dependency scope.
- Enterprise pricing is available by contacting sales.
Rebar3: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Supports locked dependencies and repeatable fetching.
- Includes EUnit, Common Test, and coverage reports.
- Builds deployable releases and update scripts.
- Supports offline installation and private registry authentication.
What to know first
- Downloaded components can execute arbitrary code.
- Documented compatibility for version 3.25.1 lists OTP 26–28.
- Rebar3 3.25.0 has reported issues with newer Windows and OTP 28.