Top Hunter package manager Alternatives for C/C++ Development

Hunter package manager is a CMake-driven cross-platform package manager designed for C/C++ projects, facilitating the management of dependencies. While Hunter serves its purpose well for many developers, specific project requirements, team preferences, or desired features might lead you to explore a Hunter package manager alternative. This article delves into some of the most robust and widely used alternatives available in the C/C++ ecosystem.

Top Hunter package manager Alternatives

Looking for a different approach to managing your C/C++ dependencies? Here are some top contenders that offer compelling features and development philosophies as a viable Hunter package manager alternative.

Conan

Conan is an open-source, decentralized, and multi-platform package manager specifically designed for C/C++ projects. It excels at creating and sharing native binaries, making it a strong Hunter package manager alternative for teams that prioritize binary reproducibility and complex dependency graphs. Available on Free, Open Source, Mac, Windows, and Linux, Conan offers robust developer tools and comprehensive package management capabilities.

Vcpkg

Vcpkg is a C++ library manager developed by Microsoft, supporting Windows, Linux, and macOS. It's a free and open-source solution that simplifies acquiring and building open-source libraries, making it a highly accessible Hunter package manager alternative, especially for developers working within the Microsoft ecosystem or those who prefer a more streamlined setup process for common libraries.

CPM

CPM (CMake Package Manager) is designed to promote small, well-tested, composable C++ modules. As a free and open-source solution primarily for Linux, CPM distinguishes itself by allowing you to link against multiple different versions of the same static library, offering fine-grained control over dependencies. For projects focusing on modularity and managing specific library versions, CPM presents a unique and effective Hunter package manager alternative.

The choice of a Hunter package manager alternative ultimately depends on your project's specific needs, team's expertise, and desired workflow. Explore these options to find the best fit for your C/C++ development environment, ensuring efficient dependency management and smoother build processes.