vcpkg vs Zero Install
vcpkg
vcpkg.ioZero Install
0install.netSide by side
| Figure | vcpkg | Zero Install |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Package Managers | 8.7 (#12) | 7.7 (#60) |
| Founded | 2016 | 2003 |
| Security | The project says most ports build libraries using their original build systems and download source code and tools from their official distribution locations. | The project says package signatures are checked before new software runs and caching a package does not run its code or write to system software directories. |
| Support | The project lists documentation, a development-team support contact, and community channels including Discord and Slack. | The project directs bug reports and feature requests to GitHub Issues and offers a mailing list for questions and suggestions. |
Plans
In their own words
vcpkg
vcpkg is a free package manager for acquiring and managing C/C++ libraries. Its curated registry contains over 2,300 open-source libraries, with dependency resolution across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Projects can declare dependencies, optional features, and version constraints in manifest files; baseline version sets and individual package pins help keep dependency choices reproducible. vcpkg integrates with CMake and MSBuild, while manual integration is supported for other build systems. Built packages can be cached for reuse across developer machines and continuous integration runs. Asset caching can mirror source assets and build tools for offline or air-gapped environments. Users can also create custom registries for private libraries, patches, or other packages. Documented editor integrations include Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, CLion, and Qt Creator. The project says most ports use libraries' original build systems and obtain source code and tools from their official distribution locations. vcpkg collects anonymous usage data, with opt-out options. Firewall access needs depend on the ports installed.
Zero Install
Zero Install has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.