MSYS2 Integrations

Pacman is a package management tool utilized in Linux environments to handle software installations. It employs straightforward compressed files as its package format and keeps a text-based database, which serves as a structured hierarchy for instances where manual adjustments may be required. Rather than attempting to encompass every function, Pacman focuses on key operations such as adding, removing, and upgrading software packages, while also enabling users to search through the package database for installed items, their associated files, and ownership details. Furthermore, it strives to manage dependencies automatically and can retrieve packages from online servers. The introduction of version 2.0 brought the capability to synchronize packages with a central server via package databases using the -sync option, marking a significant improvement over earlier versions where installations had to be performed manually with --add and -upgrade commands. This evolution not only enhanced user experience but also streamlined the process of keeping software up to date.

The Fortran Package Manager (fpm) serves as both a package manager and a build system specifically designed for Fortran. It boasts a wide array of available packages, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem of both general-purpose and high-performance code, enhancing accessibility for users. Aimed at improving the overall experience for Fortran developers, fpm simplifies the process of building Fortran programs or libraries, executing tests, running examples, and managing dependencies for other Fortran projects. Its design draws inspiration from Rust’s Cargo, creating an intuitive user interface. Additionally, fpm has a long-term vision focused on fostering the growth of modern Fortran applications and libraries. One notable feature of fpm is its plugin system, which facilitates the extension of its capabilities. Among these plugins is the fpm-search project, which enables users to query the package registry effortlessly, and because it is built with fpm, installation on any system is straightforward. This synergy not only streamlines the development process but also encourages collaboration among developers within the Fortran community.