FVM vs Local

FVM manages Flutter SDK versions by project, allowing teams to keep builds consistent while using different versions across projects. A project’s `.fvmrc` file records its selected Flutter version and can include project-specific settings and flavors. FVM switches among installed SDKs without downloading them again. It can identify unreferenced versions, preview cleanup candidates, and remove unused SDKs with `fvm cleanup`. The documentation describes commands suitable for CI/CD automation and support for custom Flutter repositories. FVM provides packages for macOS, Linux, and Windows, with architecture availability varying by system. Installation options include a shell script, Homebrew, Chocolatey, Pub, and standalone packages. FVM detects VS Code and updates `.vscode/settings.json` for the Dart Code extension to use the project’s managed SDK. Android Studio and IntelliJ settings must be configured separately to point to the FVM SDK path. JSON API commands expose installed SDKs, releases, cleanup data, environment context, and project configuration. FVM stores known project roots in a machine-local file and says it does not scan disks for projects. The project is licensed under MIT.

Local is a free desktop application for developing WordPress sites on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It installs WordPress with one click and includes SSL for each site. Development features include root SSH access, WP-CLI, and hot-swappable PHP environments. Local provides native PHP, MySQL, NGINX, and Apache services, with switching between NGINX and Apache. Sites can be imported or exported with their files, databases, and configuration files. Local Connect pushes and pulls sites to Flywheel and WP Engine; Connect is free, while hosting costs depend on the selected hosting plan. Cloud Backups connects Dropbox or Google Drive for project files, directories, and databases, but backups must be started through its interface. Live Links creates secure persistent URLs for client and coworker review. Image Optimizer compresses local image files offline. An HTTP/HTTPS tunnel exposes a site to other devices and supports testing Stripe WebHooks, PayPal IPN, and REST APIs. Downloads include macOS Intel, macOS Apple Silicon, Windows, Debian-based Linux, and RPM-based Linux. Support resources include forums, documentation, and release notes. WP Engine says it collects service telemetry.