Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

elan

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.7 #9 of 30 in Runtime Version Managers

What it is

elan manages installations of the Lean theorem prover on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its `lean` and `lake` binaries use a project’s `lean-toolchain` file to select the specified Lean version and download it when needed. The separate `elan` command provides manual control to install, select, run or uninstall Lean versions. The project supports version pinning, lockfiles, automatic switching, shell integration and CI/CD use. Installation options include shell instructions for Linux and macOS, a PowerShell method for Windows, and release downloads for supported platforms. The README recommends the Nixpkgs version on NixOS because toolchains downloaded by elan require patching there. Lake needs git to download dependencies. The project describes itself as a fork of rustup adapted for Lean infrastructure. elan is free at free, and the repository lists Apache-2.0 and MIT licenses. The releases page identifies v4.2.4 as the latest release.

Spec sheet

Purpose
elan manages installations of the Lean theorem prover.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The repository lists Apache-2.0 and MIT licenses.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Automatic toolchain selection
Its lean and lake binaries select and, when necessary, download the Lean version specified in a project's lean-toolchain file.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Dependency
The README says git is needed for Lake to download dependencies.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Install methods
The README provides shell installation for Linux and macOS, PowerShell installation for Windows, and release downloads for supported platforms.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Latest release
The GitHub releases page identifies v4.2.4 as the latest release.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Manual toolchain management
The elan executable can install, select, run, and uninstall Lean versions manually.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
NixOS
The README recommends installing the Nixpkgs version because elan-downloaded toolchains require patching on NixOS.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Project lineage
The README describes elan as basically a fork of rustup adapted for Lean infrastructure.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Uninstallation
The README says elan self uninstall should remove elan and revert the shell configuration changes made during installation.Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

elan Free Lean version management · Apache-2.0 and MIT licenses Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every elan plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Selects Lean versions from project toolchain files
  • Downloads specified Lean versions when needed
  • Manual install, selection, running and removal
  • Supports version pinning, lockfiles and shell integration
  • Free under Apache-2.0 and MIT licenses

Limits

  • NixOS users are advised to install the Nixpkgs version
  • Lake needs git to download dependencies

Who it suits

elan suits Lean users who need project-specific toolchain selection or manual management of Lean versions. Its listed platforms are Linux, macOS and Windows.

Verdict

elan covers both automatic project toolchain selection and manual Lean version management. NixOS users should account for the README’s Nixpkgs recommendation, and Lake dependency downloads require git.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to elanAll alternatives →