zef
zef: A free, open-source CLI for installing, resolving, testing, and upgrading Raku distributions. Ranked #82 of 92 in Package Managers by our editors (5.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for raku distribution management.
At a glance
- Editor score5.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forRaku distribution management
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Resolves direct and transitive Raku dependencies
- Supports repositories, URLs, Git, tar.gz archives, and local paths
- Runs tests, build steps, upgrades, and module lookups
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Raku rather than multi-language package management
- Command-line workflow is aimed at developers and maintainers
- Configuration spans repositories, fetchers, builders, testers, and reporters
Our verdict on zef
zef is an open-source command-line module manager for Raku developers and maintainers. It installs Raku distributions and their direct or transitive dependencies from configured repositories, URLs, Git repositories, local paths, and package identities. The tool also searches and inspects available distributions, making it useful for both adding dependencies and understanding what is already available in the Raku ecosystem.
Its package workflow covers more than installation. zef can update repository package indexes, fetch and extract sources, run distribution tests and build steps, upgrade installed distributions, and locate installed modules by identity, path, or SHA-1. This gives maintainers a single tool for common dependency and distribution tasks. Configuration is also broad: repositories, fetchers, extractors, builders, testers, and reporters can be configured to suit different workflows.
zef is a focused choice for Raku projects that need dependency resolution and distribution management without a commercial licensing model. Its scope is narrower than a package manager designed for multiple programming languages, and its command-line format is best suited to developers and maintainers rather than teams seeking a graphical administration experience. Choose zef for Raku distribution work involving repository packages, source archives, Git, or local development paths; consider a different category of tool when your main requirement is cross-language package management.
Your product? Our editors can test zef in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
zef pricing
zef fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Package formats | Raku distributions; Git repositories; tar.gz archives; local paths |
| Supported platforms | Not verified |
| Dependency resolution | Yes |
| Lockfile support | Not verified |
| Workspace support | Not verified |
| Private registry auth | Not verified |
| Offline installation | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to zef
- npmA complete JavaScript package workflow with public access free and private packages at $7/month.9.4
- uvA broad, open-source toolkit for managing modern Python projects across three platforms.9.2
- YarnA capable JavaScript package manager for consistent installs and monorepositories.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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