fnm vs plenv
fnm
github.complenv
github.comSide by side
| Figure | fnm | plenv |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Runtime Version Managers | 7.9 (#8) | 7.5 (#17) |
| Spec score · Development Environment Managers | 7.8 (#21) | 7.4 (#35) |
| Installation | fnm is distributed as a single file and supports installation scripts, package managers, Cargo, and release binaries. | The README documents installation from GitHub, from an archive, and through Homebrew on Mac OS X. |
| License | The repository identifies its license as GPL-3.0. | The project says plenv is free software redistributable under the same terms as Perl itself. |
| Purpose | fnm is a fast and simple Node.js version manager built in Rust. | plenv lets users select a Perl version for an application so the development environment matches production. |
Plans
In their own words
fnm
fnm is a free Node.js version manager built in Rust for developers working from a command line or shell. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and is distributed as a single file through installation scripts, package managers, Cargo, or release binaries. It reads `.node-version` and `.nvmrc` files, so projects can specify a Node.js version. Shell setup can also enable automatic version switching when changing directories. The project provides setup instructions for Bash, Zsh, Fish, PowerShell, Windows Command Prompt, and Cmder. Its binary includes completions for Bash, Zsh, Fish, and PowerShell. On macOS and Linux, the installation script requires `curl` and `unzip`. The repository identifies the license as GPL-3.0 and invites pull requests, with issues available for project interaction. No paid plans are listed. The project page reports no published security advisories, while also noting that it has not set up a SECURITY.md file.
plenv
plenv is a free Perl version manager for selecting the interpreter an application uses, helping keep development aligned with production. It installs Perl versions in the user’s home directory and switches between them in the shell. A `.perl-version` file can pin a Perl version to a directory, taking precedence over the global selection. Shell script wrappers called shims route Perl executable commands to the selected version. Setup instructions cover Bash and Zsh, with optional shell integration and autocompletion. Installation options include GitHub, an archive, and Homebrew on Mac OS X. The `perl-build` plugin supplies `plenv install`; `plenv-contrib` adds `use` and `lib` commands as a local::lib integration replacement. The README recommends Carton for upgrades and deployments. `migrate-modules` installs the newest module versions from one Perl environment into another, though the resulting versions may differ. The README lists Perl 5.8.1+ and Bash as dependencies, and curl for `plenv install-cpanm`. plenv supports Linux and macOS and is free software redistributable under the same terms as Perl itself.