MSYS2 Integrations

Pacman serves as a package management system designed for Linux platforms, facilitating the installation and management of software. It utilizes simple compressed file formats for its packages and maintains a textual database that organizes information in a way that allows for manual modifications when necessary. Instead of trying to provide every possible feature, Pacman prioritizes essential tasks like installing, removing, and updating software packages, while also allowing users to query the package database for details on installed software, including their files and ownership information. Additionally, it aims to automatically handle dependencies and can download packages from online repositories. With the release of version 2.0, Pacman introduced the ability to synchronize packages with a central server through package databases using the -sync option, a notable upgrade from previous versions that required manual installation using --add and -upgrade commands. This advancement significantly improved the user interface and made the process of maintaining updated software much more efficient. As a result, Pacman has become an essential tool for both novice and experienced users who want to streamline their software management tasks on Linux systems.

The Fortran Package Manager (fpm) functions as both a package manager and a build tool tailored specifically for the Fortran programming language. Its extensive collection of available packages enriches a dynamic ecosystem that includes both general-purpose and high-performance code, thereby enhancing user accessibility. Designed to streamline the experience for Fortran developers, fpm simplifies various tasks such as building Fortran programs or libraries, running tests, executing examples, and managing dependencies for other Fortran projects. The user-friendly interface of fpm is inspired by Rust’s Cargo, allowing for an intuitive interaction. Furthermore, fpm is committed to a long-term vision that aims to cultivate the development of modern Fortran applications and libraries. A standout aspect of fpm is its plugin architecture, which allows users to extend its functionality. One such plugin, the fpm-search project, offers a simple way for users to query the package registry, and its compatibility ensures easy installation across different systems. This integration not only enhances the development workflow but also promotes collaboration and innovation among developers within the Fortran community, ultimately contributing to the language's ongoing evolution. Through these efforts, fpm seeks to make Fortran a more accessible and powerful choice for developers everywhere.