List of the Top 3 Package Managers for Fortran Package Manager in 2025

Homebrew acts as an essential package manager for macOS and Linux, featuring a script that defines its actions prior to execution. It proficiently installs various software that may not be readily available through Apple or default Linux distributions, placing these packages in specific directories and generating symlinks in /usr/local for Intel-based macOS systems. By confining installations within its defined prefix, Homebrew allows for a flexible arrangement of its packages. Users have the ability to craft their own Homebrew packages, as it utilizes Git and Ruby, making it easy to revert changes and merge updates. The Homebrew formulas consist of simple Ruby scripts that boost the capabilities of macOS or Linux platforms. Beyond this, RubyGems can be installed via the gem command, while Homebrew oversees their dependencies with the brew command. For individuals using macOS, Homebrew Cask provides a method for installing applications, plugins, and fonts, including proprietary software, with creating a cask being as straightforward as writing a formula. This user-friendly approach not only streamlines the installation process but also motivates users to delve deeper into customizing their software ecosystems. Ultimately, this fosters a community of innovation and personalization among users eager to enhance their computing experience.

MSYS2 is an extensive collection of tools and libraries tailored to foster a user-friendly setting for developing, installing, and running native applications on the Windows platform. It features a command line interface called mintty, a bash shell environment, version control systems like git and subversion, as well as essential utilities such as tar and awk, and build systems including autotools, all constructed on an adapted Cygwin framework. Although some of its foundational elements are sourced from Cygwin, MSYS2's primary goal is to create a solid build environment specifically for native Windows applications, thereby reducing dependence on Cygwin. The platform provides modern native builds for a diverse range of programming tools and languages, including GCC, mingw-w64, CPython, CMake, Meson, OpenSSL, FFmpeg, Rust, and Ruby, among others. To streamline the process of installing and updating software packages, MSYS2 features a package management system named Pacman, which should be familiar to those acquainted with Arch Linux. This robust package management tool enables users to efficiently handle their software, ensuring they have easy access to the most recent versions and features available within the ecosystem. Additionally, MSYS2's flexibility and comprehensive support make it an attractive option for developers looking to work in a Windows environment.

Conda is an open-source tool designed for the effective management of packages, dependencies, and environments across various programming languages such as Python, R, Ruby, Lua, Scala, Java, JavaScript, C/C++, Fortran, and many others. This adaptable system functions smoothly on a variety of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and z/OS. By allowing rapid installation, execution, and upgrading of packages along with their dependencies, Conda boosts efficiency in development workflows. It also simplifies the tasks of creating, saving, loading, and switching between different environments on a user's machine. Initially developed for Python applications, Conda has broadened its scope to support software packaging and distribution for any programming language. As a robust package manager, it assists users in finding and installing the necessary packages they need for their projects. If you encounter a situation where a package requires a different version of Python, you won’t have to resort to a different environment manager; Conda can handle that seamlessly. You can easily create an entirely new environment tailored to that specific Python version, while continuing to use your standard version in the default environment. This remarkable flexibility not only streamlines development but also makes Conda an essential asset for developers with varied software needs, catering to the complexities of modern programming environments.