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What is a package manager?
A package manager is a tool that finds, installs, updates and removes software add-ons for you, so you don't do it by hand.
- Category GitHub & code
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Package manager, explained simply
A package manager is like an app store for code. You type the name of what you want, and it fetches it.
Most programs lean on small pieces of other people's code. These pieces are called packages. A package manager tracks which ones you have and which versions.
For example, pip installs Python tools and npm installs Node.js tools. Homebrew does the same for many Mac apps. One short command installs the tool and everything it needs.
On ITG Now, our free tool guides show the exact package manager command to type in each install step.
Related terms
pipnpmHomebrewDependencyPythonNode.js
Questions people ask about Package manager
Do I need a package manager to install a GitHub tool?
Often yes. Many tools tell you to run one short command, and a package manager does the rest. Some tools also offer plain downloads.
Is a package manager safe?
They are widely used and generally safe. Still, only install packages from names you trust, because fake lookalike packages exist.
What is the difference between a package manager and an app store?
An app store hands out finished apps. A package manager hands out code pieces and tools, usually through typed commands.