Swift Package Manager
swift.org
What it is
Swift Package Manager is a free tool for sharing Swift code as packages, using dependencies, and building, testing, documenting, and running code. A package uses a Package.swift manifest alongside source files, resources, and other assets. Packages can provide library, executable, or plugin products, and can depend on other Swift packages, system libraries, or binary dependencies. Commands such as swift build and swift test support builds and tests; package dependencies are resolved automatically when swift build or swift run is invoked. Plugins can add build capabilities or commands, including generating source files and resources, and run in a sandbox that blocks network and most file-system access unless the user approves additional permissions. Swift Package Manager works from the command line and is integrated into Xcode. It supports macOS, Linux distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Amazon Linux, as well as Windows; tools on macOS can build for Apple platforms including iOS. Swift 6.4 made Swift Build the default build system in Swift Package Manager.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Swift Package Manager lets developers share code as packages, use other shared packages, and build, test, document, and run code.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.swift.org
- Free plan
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · swift.org
- License
- Swift and its package manager were published under the Apache 2.0 license with a Runtime Library Exception.Read 7 Oct 2026 · swift.org
- Founded
- 2015Read 28 Sep 2026 · swift.org
- Apple deployment targets
- Swift tools on macOS can build applications for Apple platforms including iOS.Read 7 Oct 2026 · swift.org
- Build and test
- SwiftPM includes commands such as swift build and swift test, and automatically resolves packages when swift build or swift run is invoked.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.swift.org
- Current build system
- Swift 6.4 made Swift Build the default build system in Swift Package Manager.Read 7 Oct 2026 · swift.org
- Dependencies
- A package can depend on other Swift packages, system libraries, or binary dependencies.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.swift.org
- Dependency resolution
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · swift.org
- Lockfile support
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · swift.org
- Offline installation
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · swift.org
- Package formats
- source packages,system libraries,binary targets,package registry archivesRead 22 Sep 2026 · swift.org
- Package structure
- A package consists of a Package.swift manifest and source files, resources, and other assets.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.swift.org
- Plugin security
- Plugins run in a sandbox that blocks network access and most file system access unless additional permissions are approved by the user.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.swift.org
- Plugins
- Plugins can add build capabilities or package commands, including generating source files and resources as part of a build.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.swift.org
- Private registry auth
- YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · swift.org
- Products and targets
- Packages can provide library, executable, and plugin products built from targets.Read 7 Oct 2026 · docs.swift.org
- Supported development platforms
- Swift Package Manager is supported on macOS, Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Amazon Linux, Red Hat Universal Base Image, and Windows.Read 7 Oct 2026 · swift.org
- Supported platforms
- macOS,Linux,Windows; packages can target Apple platformsRead 22 Sep 2026 · swift.org
- Who it is for
- Swift packages can be created for personal use, private company use, or release as open-source packages for the community.Read 7 Oct 2026 · swift.org
- Xcode integration
- SwiftPM works from the command line and is integrated within Xcode.Read 7 Oct 2026 · swift.org
Plans and prices
Swift Package Manager Free Open-source package management tool Read 7 Oct 2026 · swift.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free and open-source package management tool.
- Supports dependency resolution, lockfiles, and offline installation.
- Works from the command line and within Xcode.
- Plugins can add build capabilities and commands.
- Swift Build is the default build system in Swift 6.4.
Limits
- Plugins require user approval for additional permissions.
- Apple-platform builds require Swift tools on macOS.
Who it suits
It suits developers creating Swift packages for personal use, private company use, or open-source release. It is also relevant to teams using Xcode or command-line build and test workflows.
Verdict
Swift Package Manager covers package creation, dependencies, builds, tests, and plugin extensions across supported development platforms. Its sandbox permissions and macOS requirement for Apple-platform builds are worth noting.
Where Specifiction places it
- Package Managers#15 of 938.6
