Homebrew vs SDKMAN: What are the differences?

Homebrew and SDKMAN are two popular package managers used in software development. Let's explore the key differences between them.

1. Installation Process: Homebrew is exclusive to macOS and can be installed using a single command in the terminal. It requires the Xcode Command Line Tools to be installed. SDKMAN, on the other hand, is multi-platform and can be installed on macOS, Linux, and Windows systems. It requires the installation of Java before installing SDKMAN itself.

2. Package Management: Homebrew focuses primarily on managing packages related to macOS operating system. It provides a wide range of packages specifically tailored for macOS and can easily install, update, and uninstall these packages. SDKMAN is more focused on managing software development kits (SDKs) and related tools. It provides a vast collection of SDKs and tools for Java, Groovy, Scala, Kotlin, and more. It also allows installation, version management, and switching between different versions of SDKs.

3. Community Support: Homebrew has a large and active community of contributors. It benefits from a wide range of community-maintained packages and receives regular updates and bug fixes. SDKMAN also has an active community, but the focus is more on SDKs and tools related to the Java ecosystem. The community ensures the availability of the latest updates and versions of different SDKs.

4. User Interface: Homebrew primarily interacts with the user through the command line interface (CLI). It uses simple commands like brew install or brew update for installations and updates respectively. SDKMAN provides a more interactive interface with the use of a CLI. It allows users to search for available SDKs, install specific versions, and manage multiple installations effortlessly.

5. Integration with Shell Environments: Homebrew automatically integrates its packages and binaries with the system's shell environment, making them accessible globally. SDKMAN operates differently by managing the SDK installations within its own environment variables. It allows for easy switching between different SDK versions without globally affecting the shell environment.

6. Extensibility: Homebrew can be extended through the use of formulas and taps, which allow the community to add new packages and repositories that are not officially supported. This enables users to customize their package installations. SDKMAN provides extensibility through the use of add-ons. Add-ons can be installed to enhance the functionalities, such as adding support for additional tools or technologies, making it versatile for different development needs.

In summary, Homebrew is focused on managing macOS packages and provides a wide range of pre-built packages, while SDKMAN focuses on managing software development kits and provides version management capabilities for different SDKs.