Brew got one thing right that no Linux package manager seems to emulate: it doesn't require root for normal operations and even goes so far as to error out if running as root (https://docs.brew.sh/FAQ#why-does-homebrew-say-sudo-is-bad).
In multi-user mode, Nix uses dedicated build users to write to the store. There is also single-user mode, but that also doesn't require a world-writable store.
There is also conda/mamba/pixi/etc. (anything in the conda-forge ecosystem) that can be used without root. Then there are Guix and nix, which (mostly) require to be set up by someone with root privileges, but which then allow unprivileged users to install packages for themselves. I think I have even used emerge rootless-ly at some point a few years ago.
Brew is so full of Linux/OSS/GNU anti-patterns that I can't wrap my head how did it ever managed to receive so much adoption. I guess macOS people are way more ignorant about things that made Linux/OSS what it is.
hiciu|1 month ago
PhilipRoman|1 month ago
pzmarzly|1 month ago
For something that only uses your home folder, I recommend checking out mise https://mise.jdx.dev/
mmarx|1 month ago
exploderate|1 month ago
matrss|1 month ago
There is also conda/mamba/pixi/etc. (anything in the conda-forge ecosystem) that can be used without root. Then there are Guix and nix, which (mostly) require to be set up by someone with root privileges, but which then allow unprivileged users to install packages for themselves. I think I have even used emerge rootless-ly at some point a few years ago.
cromka|1 month ago
stephenr|1 month ago
They're so convinced that their way is right and essentially stick their fingers in their ears when anyone raises concerns.
Unfortunately cargo culting is a thing.
I say this as a macOS user.
Fortunately alternatives like MacPorts exist.
yladiz|1 month ago