macos - Apple / Mac OS X - Is there a Package Manager like Linux

I am a Linux/UNIX user and love the package management that comes with it. For the most part, I like Ubuntu, but just like anything else, it is the minor things that you live with daily that would be nice if they just worked. My main issue is my wacom tablet while it works, every time there is an OS update, I have to rebuild the wacom driver. The other slightly annoying issue is, my ATI video card is not fully supported. When I use the HDMI out, the sound doesn't go through it, and the screen is not entirely used.

I would happily get an Apple if it had a similar package management system like Ubuntu, Gentoo, or other Linux distribution. This takes the work out of getting the latest enhancements or fixes. It also takes all the guess work out about what you need to get something to work. I just want to use my computer, not administer it.

Aside from Apple applications, if I wanted to install the GIMP on an apple, would it go and fetch ufraw if I wanted support for that and whatever other dependencies GIMP has? If I want Netbeans installed, will it go and get a JDK and maven if I want that?

If not, is there something in the works?

I know I don't update my applications that frequently, but that is mainly because I'm not aware of the updates. The updates all happen in the background.

Walter

Answer

There are two main systems for unix software on OS X: MacPorts and Fink

Fink is akin to (and iirc based on) the Debian/Ubunutu apt system: it delivers pre-compiled binaries. MacPorts is related to the older BSD Ports collections: rather than pre-built binaries, it containers pointers to the original source + patches required to make that source work on your platform (and with the other apps that you've installed via ports).

Both will get Gimp and all its dependencies installed for you - fink will be faster as it doesn't have to compile, but macports gives you more control over what gets built.

There's also a newer tool called Homebrew which I've not used; but it claims to provide better interoperability with things you've installed by hand, and rely more on the native Mac libraries instead of just the installed libraries.

A quick search shows a variety of questions already talking about Macports and Fink and differences between them.