AutoPkgr 1.5

AutoPkgr is a graphic user interface for AutoPkg, a tool for software packaging and distribution. In this respect, it saves you from using command-line tools and methods, which are usually hard to remember.

The tool takes care of various tasks, such as installing AutoPkg and Git, subscribing to repositories and recipes, scheduling regular checks of the recipes, notifying about new software packages, creating recipe overrides, accessing to common folders and integrating with popular software distribution frameworks. Luckily, there is plenty of documentation and even a discussion forum available.

Being a GUI, the most important thing is that it is really user-friendlier than using the command line. In this respect, it is excellent news that there are tabs for the different features. In fact, it is a good idea to follow the order of the tabs in a wizard-like fashion. The first tab is Install, and you should use it only once, for installing AutoPkg and Git. Next, there is the Repos & Recipes tab, which you can open to subscribe to the desired repositories. The third tab, Schedule, allows you to schedule recipes to run automatically. The Notifications tab, in turn, is where you select those actions that trigger a notification. In this regard, you can pick all possible events or just a group of them. Finally, the Integrations tab is intended to install other software distribution frameworks compatible with AutoPkg. Likewise, you can set the AutoPkg folders.

Luckily, AutoPkgr seamless integrates with other software. In this regard, it is great that it can automatically import into such popular software distribution system as Munki, Jamf Pro, HEAT LANrev, FileWave, MacPatch and SimpleMDM. Moreover, the tool can also receive notifications thanks to its integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams and Google Chat.

Even though the application serves its purpose quite well, there are still a few issues and wishes I would like to comment upon. For instance, the progress bar may fail to advance properly when automatically running a scheduled recipe. Likewise, it would be good if it were possible to consult a log of Autopkg operations. Finally, you may also wish that the application supported pre and post actions.

All in all, it is excellent there is a user-friendly GUI to use Autopkg, as it certainly saves users from a lot of remembering and typing. Since this is an opensource product, it can be downloaded from GitHub at no cost. Luckily, there is a community of developers involved in this project.