I am considering installing MacPorts on my Mac, so I have easy access to * nix dev tools / apps. However, I am wondering if there are any risks. I am fine with the inevitable compatibility issue from time to time (I hear that Snow Leopard + MacPorts has problems), but I do not want the stability of my “main” Mac system to be affected. I am also wondering if MacPorts adds significant security risks.
Appreciate the help!
MacPorts uses a completely different directory for its installations - / opt / local - than any regular program. I have never seen this affect the stability of the system (I don’t even know how it will be), and I have installed it on many computers for several years now.
I have been using Darvin / MacPorts for many years. I use them extensively. Abut once a year after significant update ports are torn so that they are easier to remove and start over. So this is exactly what I am doing. I believe that spending 2-3 hours reinstalling them is a good investment, considering how long the ports save all open source software for me. Removing ports is not a trivial task, but if you do not use this command:
sudo rm -rf \ /opt/local \ /Applications/MacPorts \ /Applications/DarwinPorts \ /Library/Tcl/macports1.0 \ /Library/Tcl/darwinports1.0 \ /Library/LaunchDaemons/org.macports.\* \ /Library/StartupItems/DarwinPortsStartup \ /Library/Receipts/MacPorts*.pkg \ /Library/Receipts/DarwinPorts*.pkg
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I am still using MacPorts. I just pay attention while using the resin. MacPorts is such a great timeshare that I could not do without it.