Spago review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Spago is a command-line package manager and build tool for PureScript projects. It is aimed at developers who need to install registry-based dependencies, manage one or more packages, and handle common project tasks from a single CLI. Spago supports Windows, Linux, and macOS, with Node.js required by the current package. Its open-source model and free plan make it suitable for PureScript projects that prefer a focused, registry-oriented workflow.

Dependency management is the core strength. Spago installs packages from the PureScript Registry and package sets, resolves direct and transitive dependencies, and creates spago.lock files for reproducible builds. Workspaces support monorepo package management, while local-path and Git-based sources provide alternatives to registry packages. These capabilities fit teams that need repeatable dependency plans and a way to organize related PureScript packages without adopting a broader, multi-language package manager.

Spago also extends beyond installation: it builds and runs projects, executes tests and REPL sessions, bundles applications for browser or Node.js targets, generates project and dependency documentation, and publishes packages to the PureScript Registry. That breadth makes it a practical choice for a full PureScript development workflow. It is less suitable for teams seeking a general-purpose package manager across several languages or a package-source model centered on private registries. Choose Spago when PureScript is the priority and registry, local, or Git sources match the project; consider an alternative when broader ecosystem coverage is required.

Spago pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Resolves direct and transitive dependencies with reproducible lockfiles
  • Supports workspaces, monorepos, local paths, and Git-based packages
  • Covers builds, tests, REPLs, bundling, documentation, and publishing
• Where it doesn't
  • Focused on PureScript rather than multiple language ecosystems
  • The current npm package requires Node.js
  • Its package sources center on registries, local paths, and Git repositories

Spago fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update