nFPM review
A free, open-source CLI and Go library for generating packages across six native formats.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
nFPM is an open-source command-line tool and Go library for developers and release engineers who need to create native software packages without Ruby, tar, or other external runtime dependencies. It uses a YAML configuration file and supports package-specific metadata, dependencies, scripts, and file contents. The standalone binary runs across Linux, macOS, and Windows-related workflows, while Docker support offers another deployment option.
There is no paid tier to compare: nFPM is free and open source. Its packaging scope is broad, producing DEB, RPM, APK, IPK, Arch Linux, and MSIX packages from a single tool. Package signing is available for supported formats, and JSON Schema generation plus shell completion commands add practical support around configuration and command-line use. Teams working in Go can also use nFPM as a library rather than only invoking the CLI.
The main trade-off is focus. nFPM is built for package creation and provides the core controls needed to describe dependencies, scripts, metadata, and included files, but verified update, silent-install, and CI/CD capabilities are limited. That makes it a strong fit for dependency-light, reproducible packaging within developer or release workflows. Teams seeking a broader release-management system, or deeper built-in update and installation automation, should consider an alternative designed around those areas instead.
nFPM pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Generates DEB, RPM, APK, IPK, Arch Linux, and MSIX packages
- Runs as a standalone binary with no external runtime dependencies
- Works through YAML, Docker, or a Go library for release workflows
- Where it doesn't
- Update and silent-install capabilities are limited
- CI/CD capabilities are limited
- Requires command-line and YAML-based configuration
nFPM fact sheet, pricing and score →
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