Using the FreeBSD Ports Collection: Build Apps Straight from the Source!

 

If pkg is the fast-food way to install apps, then Ports Collection is the professional chef's method — you're building the software from raw ingredients, aka source code! Exciting, right? Perfect for tinkerers, customizers, or people who just want to brag, "I compiled it myself, bro!" 

 What is the Ports Collection?

The FreeBSD Ports Collection is a system that lets you compile and install software from source code easily. You just enter a directory, type make install clean, and boom, your app is installed!

 Setting Up the Ports Tree

Ports aren't always installed by default. But you can fetch them with:

portsnap fetch
portsnap extract

If you already have it and want to update:

portsnap fetch update

The Ports tree will be located in:

/usr/ports

Inside? Thousands of application categories — from browsers, servers, games, to text editors.

 Searching for Applications in Ports

To search manually:

cd /usr/ports
make search name=app_name

Example:

make search name=vim

Or, for a faster option:

pkg search vim

Then match the result with the correct location under /usr/ports.

 Installing Applications from Ports

Let’s say you want to install htop, just do:

cd /usr/ports/sysutils/htop
make install clean

This command will:

1. Download the source code
2. Compile it
3. Install it
4. Clean up the build files afterward

 Heads up: This can take time depending on the app size and your computer's horsepower. Don’t blame the CPU if it starts wheezing.

Customize the Build (Make Options)

One of Ports’ biggest advantages: You can enable or disable features before building!

cd /usr/ports/editors/nano
make config

A menu will pop up with checkboxes. Choose the features you want before running make install.

Uninstalling Applications from Ports

Had enough?

cd /usr/ports/sysutils/htop
make deinstall

Or use pkg delete, since even Ports-installed apps are tracked by pkg.

 Pro

• Avoid modifying ports directly under /usr/ports if you update frequently — use portmaster or poudriere for safer, smarter builds.
• If you're on a weak machine (like a potato-tier laptop), it's better to stick with pkg — way faster and less stressful.

Method	Advantages	Drawbacks
pkg	Fast, easy, ready to use	Less flexibility
ports	Customizable, source-based	Slower, requires compilation

So, if you love tweaking things, want full control over features, or just want that build-it-yourself experience like a true OS ninja, the Ports Collection is your best friend