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Essentially, a package manager handles the process of downloading, installing, updating, and managing specific applications and programs in macOS. With MacPorts, you can install Linux applications and software on macOS from the command line. To learn more about MacPorts, check out the article What is MacPorts here.
Which Linux software and applications can be installed on Mac?
Most applications installable on Mac are open-source, command-line utilities, and also include GUI applications.
Similar to other package managers, MacPorts searches software libraries for downloads. When you find what you need, MacPorts downloads and installs the software, depending on the device's configuration.
This helps you avoid issues when downloading software repositories, applications from GitHub, and building software from source packages while still accessing a range of Linux's best command-line tools and GUI applications.
You might be aware that macOS lacks some 'standard' Linux Terminal commands. Mac users cannot find command-line tools like nmap or wget, and there is no dedicated package manager on Mac. However, you can still install Linux software on Mac using MacPorts.
Install MacPorts
MacPorts requires the latest Xcode version for your operating system. You can download the latest Apple Xcode for Mac here: Download Apple Xcode for Mac
While you can still run most MacPort commands without Xcode, you won't be able to run many software packages unless you install Xcode.
Install Xcode development tools
Step 1: Open Terminal, then enter the following command to initiate the installation of macOS development tools:
xcode-select -install
Step 2: Click Install on the dialog box displayed on the screen.
Step 3: Wait for the download and installation process to complete.
Install MacPorts
If you have installed Xcode and development tools, you can skip this step.
Step 1: Download the MacPorts version for your system here: Download MacPorts
Make sure you have selected the correct version for your macOS. Currently, there is no MacPorts version for macOS High Sierra.
Step 2: Install MacPorts from the Downloads folder.
Step 3: Open a Terminal window, then run the following command:
Port
If the above command returns MacPorts 2.4.1 and provides a command prompt, it means it's ready to install Linux software on Mac.
Install Linux Software on Mac with MacPorts
To install Linux applications and software on Mac using MacPorts, the first step is to search for relevant programs.
Step 1: To view a list of available application packages, open Terminal and enter the following command, then press Enter:
port list
Step 2: There's a lot to explore. Use the port search command to look up specific information. To search for nmap, use the following command:
port search nmap
Step 3: The command will return several relevant packages. The first package is nmap, which is what you're looking for.
Step 4: To get more information about the software package, use the info command:
port info nmap
Step 5: The above command will provide specific information about nmap. Use the following command to install nmap:
sudo port install nmap
Note: The sudo prefix will prompt for your Admin password.
Step 6: Depending on the software package you're installing, there may be a long list of related programs to install. These are the software packages you need to install along with the selected ports. Enter Y and press Enter to proceed with the installation.
Step 7: Once the installation process is complete, you can run Linux commands through the Terminal as usual.
MacPorts is a useful package manager, connecting you to a variety of open-source binaries and applications that you can download and install on demand. Here, Mytour has just guided you on how to install Linux software on Mac with MacPorts. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave your comments below the article.
On Windows, installing software is also straightforward; however, uninstalling software can be a challenge for users, especially for those with computer experience. You can use various tools to thoroughly uninstall software and free up disk space.
