MacPorts became really a pain because it does compile the packages on your machine, like the infamous gentoo and I would like something with a smaller footprint on your machine.

I know that Fink and other solutions exists but from what I remember form few years ago they are less maintained than macports.

I would like to read a more informed opinion regarding which solution would be optimal and why.

Solution 1:

Alternatives for MacPorts

Homebrew

• Uses OS X binary versions when available
• Compiles OS X optimized versions
  • Compiling usually faster than with MacPorts
• Easy to use, e.g. to install wget: $ brew install wget
• Tries to separate already installed software from what is installed through brew …
• … while taking advantage of already installed software and libraries (e.g. doesn't install a working version of Perl twice)
• Installing software doesn't need root access
• Actively developed on github

Fink

• Uses Debian tools like dpkg and apt-get
• Easy to use, e.g. to install wget: $ fink install wget
• Can be used to install precompiled packages or to compile everything from the source
• Has a separate directory tree to avoid interference with the system

Rudix

• Last version 2010-04-10

MacLibre

• Has GUI
• Nothing new on the website since 2008

Solution 2:

Yes, you can try Homebrew. ​​

Solution 3:

Macports now provides compiled binaries for Snow Leopard and Lion for normal options.