Rebar3 review
A focused open-source build and release tool for Erlang/OTP dependency workflows.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Rebar3 is an open-source Erlang build tool for creating, developing, testing, packaging, and releasing Erlang libraries, applications, and systems. It is designed for Erlang/OTP developers and teams working across projects of different sizes, including umbrella projects with multiple applications. Rebar3 runs as a self-contained Erlang script and is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with documented compatibility including OTP 26–28 for Rebar3 3.25.1.
The published product details describe an open-source command-line distribution rather than a hosted subscription plan. Its package workflow covers Hex packages, Git sources, Mercurial sources, and local path dependencies. Rebar3 can resolve dependency trees, detect circular dependencies, and generate or use rebar.lock lockfiles for repeatable builds. For teams working with private package infrastructure, it supports Hex repositories, mirrors, private repositories, and private registry authentication. Offline installation is also supported.
Rebar3’s breadth extends beyond dependency management. Project templates cover applications, libraries, releases, escripts, plugins, and CMake projects, while built-in capabilities support release and escript distribution. Umbrella project support helps organize multiple Erlang/OTP applications, and plugins can extend commands and build behavior. This makes Rebar3 a strong fit for teams that want one Erlang-focused tool spanning development through release workflows. Teams seeking a hosted package-management service or an ecosystem centered outside Erlang/OTP should look elsewhere, while Erlang/OTP projects with Hex, private repositories, lockfiles, and release requirements are the clearest match.
Rebar3 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports Git, Mercurial, Hex, and local package dependencies
- Lockfiles, dependency resolution, and circular-dependency detection
- Templates, umbrella projects, releases, escripts, and plugins
- Where it doesn't
- Its verified compatibility is centered on Erlang/OTP environments
- It is a command-line tool rather than a hosted subscription product
- Its package ecosystem integration is centered on Hex
Rebar3 fact sheet, pricing and score →
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