Consider using a package manager for MacOS in 2022

[joelostblom]

As we aim to use a package manager on Windows next year (#77), we should also consider using one for macOS (as was also pointed out to us on twitter). I think https://brew.sh/ is the only reasonable alternative as far as I understand and then the install could looks something like:

brew cask install basictex docker google-chrome lastpass postgres r rstudio slack visual-studio-code xquartz

I have a similar hesitation to this as what I had to changing to WSL this year, which that I would like one of us to be using this approach before recommending it to students, so that we're familiar with the shortcomings and advantages beyond having myself spending just a few weeks trying out the installations.

So if we think using a package manager for macOS is worthwhile, I would ask someone to champion this and use that approach themselves, probably a long term staff member such as @ttimbers @mgelbart or @kvarada. This is not urgent but I will add it to next meeting, just for a quick discussion and bring it to people's attention.

• Some history on macOS package managers that might help to introduce concepts

[jennybc]

FWIW I use homebrew to install everything possible on macOS and have done so for years. I think it makes sense to use it and to model this for the macOS-using MDS students.

(On Windows, my experience is much more limited, but I've had good experience with chocalatey).