When I started using a unix based system it was very natural to install MacTeX, since the installation of it is more "windows-like", though the installation package is huge. Later I was introduced to MacPorts, and recently Homebrew, which also provide easy ways of installing LaTeX on my system. However, I find myself unable to distinguish the practical differences between these alternatives and argument for using one or the other.
- Does MacTeX, MacPorts and Homebrew provide different versions of LaTeX?
- Downloading and maintaining tex-libraries with MacTeX is quite easy and automatized through the TexLive utility. Are there similar solutions if one choose to install LaTeX with MacPorts or Homebrew?
- Are there advantages/disadvantages with using one or the other solution?
macports
I've got errors (something works from terminal, but not from TeXWorks, TeXShop, TextMate, …). Moreover, it will take longer to install frommacports
than the MacTeX installation. Abouthomebrew
, never used it. – Manuel Feb 7 '13 at 13:05homebrew
but most linux-like package managers are not ideal for installing and updating a TeX distribution because of a fundamental misunderstanding about what a TeX "package" is. See Adding a CTAN package to a MacPorts-maintained TeX install for some discussion. – Alan Munn Feb 7 '13 at 13:12