SnapPoint

Product Introduction

1. Definition: SnapPoint is an open-source system auditor and package manager manager designed for macOS and Linux development environments. Technically categorized as a devops optimization tool, it operates as a single Go binary that scans, analyzes, and cleans global system binaries.
2. Core Value Proposition: SnapPoint resolves PATH conflicts, eliminates ghost binaries (orphaned executables), and removes package manager debris to maintain a conflict-free, high-performance development environment. It addresses systemic clutter accumulated from years of toolchains, SDKs, and package installations.

Main Features

1. Ghost Binary Detection: Identifies executables in /usr/local/bin and other PATH directories not linked to active package managers (Homebrew, apt, pip, etc.). Uses cross-manager ownership validation by scanning metadata from common package systems to flag unclaimed binaries.
2. PATH Conflict Resolution: Detects version clashes (e.g., multiple Node.js/Python installations) by mapping all binaries to their sources. Implements conflict heatmaps showing priority hierarchies in $PATH, enabling targeted fixes.
3. Deep Clean Automation: Removes orphaned dependencies, stale caches, and unclaimed binaries via community-driven cleanup recipes. Integrates with package managers (Homebrew, apt, nvm) to audit leftovers post-uninstall.
4. System Health Auditing: snappoint doctor command verifies package manager integrity, while snappoint scan catalogs every global binary with metadata (source, version, status).

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Development machines become cluttered with conflicting binaries and orphaned files from uninstalled tools, causing "command not found" errors, version mismatches, and wasted disk space.
2. Target Audience:
   • Multi-language developers (Node.js/Python/Rust) managing overlapping toolchains.
   • DevOps engineers optimizing CI/CD agent environments.
   • System administrators maintaining clean developer workstations.
3. Use Cases:
   • Resolving "wrong binary version" errors during builds.
   • Freeing disk space by purging GBs of orphaned caches.
   • Auditing security risks from unmaintained ghost executables.

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike siloed package managers (Homebrew, apt), SnapPoint provides cross-manager visibility, auditing interactions between Node.js (nvm), Python (pyenv), and system packages. Traditional tools lack conflict detection for binaries outside their ecosystem.
2. Key Innovation: Zero-dependency Go binary with no sudo requirements ensures safe, non-destructive auditing. Community-contributed cleanup recipes enable adaptive debris removal for niche tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does SnapPoint modify system files automatically?
   No. SnapPoint operates in audit-first mode, requiring explicit user approval for deletions to prevent accidental data loss.
2. Which package managers does SnapPoint support?
   It validates binaries from Homebrew, nvm, pip, apt, snap, and cargo, with extensible support for custom managers via GitHub contributions.
3. Can SnapPoint resolve Python/Node.js version conflicts?
   Yes. It detects multiple installations (e.g., system Python vs. Homebrew Python), maps PATH priorities, and suggests version alignment.
4. Is SnapPoint safe for production servers?
   Designed primarily for development environments. Use caution in production due to its cleanup capabilities.
5. How does SnapPoint compare to manual cleanup scripts?
   It automates detection of package manager debris across ecosystems, avoiding error-prone manual PATH audits or filesystem searches.