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NuGet vs pnpm: What are the differences?
Installation Method: NuGet is a package manager for .NET that can be installed globally via the NuGet Command Line Interface (CLI) or Visual Studio. On the other hand, pnpm is installed globally using Node.js.
Package Installation: NuGet installs packages into the project's "packages" directory, which can bloat the project size with duplicate dependencies. In contrast, pnpm uses a single shared store for all projects, reducing disk space usage significantly.
Versioning: NuGet allows only one version of a package to be installed per project, leading to potential compatibility issues. In contrast, pnpm uses a flat dependency structure, allowing multiple versions of a package to exist in the same project without conflicts.
Package Sharing: NuGet packages are shared among different projects by downloading and storing them in each project's directory, leading to redundant package copies. pnpm, however, symlinks packages from a global store, reducing duplication and saving disk space.
Performance: NuGet installs packages sequentially, which can be time-consuming for projects with multiple dependencies. In contrast, pnpm installs packages concurrently, significantly reducing installation times, especially for large projects.
Overhead: NuGet requires the creation of complex configuration files and updates to project files for package management. pnpm simplifies the process by automatically managing dependencies without the need for additional configuration or updates.
In Summary, NuGet and pnpm differ in their installation methods, package management strategies, versioning approaches, package sharing mechanisms, performance during installation, and overall overhead for project setup and maintenance.
Pros of NuGet
- Best package (and maybe only 1) management for .NET0
Pros of pnpm
- Fast4
- Uses less disk space3
- Works as a Node.js package manager2
- Has CLI auto-completion1
- Has a nice UI1