Pros of void-packages

• Simpler package build system, easier for newcomers to contribute
• Faster package building process due to less complexity
• More flexible package customization options

Cons of void-packages

• Smaller package repository compared to nixpkgs
• Less advanced dependency management and reproducibility features
• Limited cross-compilation support

Code Comparison

void-packages:

do_install() {
    vbin ${wrksrc}/example
    vdoc README.md
}

nixpkgs:

installPhase = ''
  mkdir -p $out/bin
  cp ${wrksrc}/example $out/bin
  mkdir -p $out/share/doc/${pname}
  cp README.md $out/share/doc/${pname}
'';

The void-packages example uses helper functions like vbin and vdoc for installation, while nixpkgs relies on more explicit shell commands within a Nix string. This showcases the simplicity of void-packages' approach compared to the more flexible but potentially complex nixpkgs system.

Both repositories serve as package management systems for their respective Linux distributions, with nixpkgs offering a more comprehensive and sophisticated approach, while void-packages focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Pros of gentoo

• Offers more granular control over package compilation and optimization
• Provides a larger selection of package versions and USE flags
• Allows for a highly customized system tailored to specific hardware

Cons of gentoo

• Longer compilation times for packages, especially on less powerful hardware
• Steeper learning curve and more complex configuration process
• Requires more manual intervention and maintenance

Code comparison

gentoo (package.use):

app-editors/vim X python lua
dev-lang/python sqlite

nixpkgs (configuration.nix):

environment.systemPackages = with pkgs; [
  (vim_configurable.override { python = true; })
  (python3.withPackages (ps: with ps; [ pysqlite ]))
];

Both repositories serve as package management systems for their respective distributions. Gentoo focuses on source-based packages with high customizability, while nixpkgs emphasizes reproducibility and declarative configuration. Gentoo's approach allows for fine-tuned optimizations but requires more time and expertise. Nixpkgs offers a more streamlined experience with its functional package management, but may sacrifice some flexibility in the process.

Pros of homebrew-core

• Simpler and more user-friendly for macOS users
• Faster installation and update processes
• Wider adoption and community support for macOS

Cons of homebrew-core

• Less flexible and customizable than nixpkgs
• Limited to macOS and Linux, while nixpkgs supports multiple platforms
• Lacks the reproducibility and declarative system configuration of Nix

Code Comparison

homebrew-core (Ruby):

class Wget < Formula
  homepage "https://www.gnu.org/software/wget/"
  url "https://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/wget/wget-1.21.3.tar.gz"
  sha256 "5726bb8bc5ca0f6dc7110f6416e4bb7019e2d2ff5bf93d1ca2ffcc6656f220e5"
  license "GPL-3.0-or-later"

nixpkgs (Nix):

{ lib, stdenv, fetchurl, perl, libidn2, zlib, pcre2, gpgme, libpsl, libunistring }:

stdenv.mkDerivation rec {
  pname = "wget";
  version = "1.21.3";

  src = fetchurl {
    url = "mirror://gnu/wget/wget-${version}.tar.gz";
    sha256 = "5726bb8bc5ca0f6dc7110f6416e4bb7019e2d2ff5bf93d1ca2ffcc6656f220e5";
  };

Both repositories serve as package managers, but nixpkgs offers a more comprehensive and flexible approach to system configuration and package management across multiple platforms. homebrew-core, while more limited in scope, provides a simpler and more accessible solution for macOS users.

Pros of winget-pkgs

• Simpler package management system, easier for beginners to understand and use
• Native integration with Windows, providing a seamless experience for Windows users
• Faster package installation and updates due to its lightweight nature

Cons of winget-pkgs

• Limited cross-platform support, primarily focused on Windows
• Less comprehensive package ecosystem compared to nixpkgs
• Fewer advanced features and customization options for power users

Code Comparison

winget-pkgs:

PackageIdentifier: Microsoft.VisualStudioCode
PackageVersion: 1.60.0
Installers:
  - Architecture: x64
    InstallerUrl: https://az764295.vo.msecnd.net/stable/e7d7e9a9348e6a8cc8c03f877d39cb72e5dfb1ff/VSCodeUserSetup-x64-1.60.0.exe
    InstallerSha256: 3E9D70C6A6E9C4C76A8B5A6F9E5CCBC7D8C4D1F5F5A8B5A5F5A8B5A5F5A8B5A5

nixpkgs:

{ lib, stdenv, fetchurl, ... }:

stdenv.mkDerivation rec {
  pname = "vscode";
  version = "1.60.0";
  src = fetchurl {
    url = "https://update.code.visualstudio.com/${version}/linux-x64/stable";
    sha256 = "0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000";
  };
}

The code examples show the different approaches to package management. winget-pkgs uses a YAML format for package definitions, while nixpkgs uses Nix language for more complex and flexible package descriptions.