Conan vs aptly: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Conan and aptly

Conan and aptly are both package management tools, but they have several key differences.

1. Package Format: Conan utilizes a package format called Conan Package Manager, which focuses on C and C++ packaged dependencies. On the other hand, aptly uses DEB packages, primarily for Debian-based distributions.

2. Repositories: Conan manages packages in remote repositories called Conan Remotes, which can be both public and private. In contrast, aptly operates with local repositories, making it more suitable for managing packages within a local network.

3. Dependency Management: Conan offers more advanced dependency management capabilities, allowing users to handle complex dependency graphs and handle transitive dependencies efficiently. Aptly, on the other hand, is more focused on the management of package repositories rather than intricate dependency resolution.

4. Supported Platforms: Conan is platform-agnostic and can be used across different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS. In contrast, aptly is primarily intended for Debian-based systems, limiting its compatibility to a narrower range of platforms.

5. Distribution Method: Conan primarily distributes packages through package binaries, allowing developers to take advantage of pre-compiled artifacts. Aptly, on the other hand, focuses on packaging and distributing software through source code, enabling greater customization and build options.

6. Integration with Build Systems: Conan boasts strong integration with popular build systems like CMake, Bazel, and Make, making it easier to incorporate package management into existing build processes. Aptly, on the other hand, does not have built-in integration with build systems and is mostly decoupled from the actual build process.

In summary, Conan excels in handling complex dependency management, offers cross-platform support, and integrates well with build systems, while aptly is more focused on managing local repositories, primarily using DEB packages for Debian-based systems.