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Topgrade
What it is
Topgrade is a free, open-source command-line utility for updating the tools on your computers. Run it with the `topgrade` command; it detects the tools you use and invokes suitable update commands. It supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and FreeBSD, with self-updating binaries, source installation, and package-manager routes. Its example configuration covers Arch package managers, DNF, Nix, Homebrew, Flatpak, and Winget. You can configure Git repositories for pulling or fetching, choose fetch instead of pull, and add custom commands before, during, or after built-in work. SSH execution lets it run Topgrade on configured remote hosts before updating locally. On first use, it creates a configuration file when needed and merges files in `topgrade.d`. The project is a maintained fork of r-darwish’s Topgrade. It is free, with no free trial because there is no paid plan.
For and against
For
- Free open-source command-line utility
- Supports Linux, macOS, Windows, and FreeBSD
- Integrates several package managers
- Can update configured Git repositories
- Supports custom and remote commands
Against
- Unix users should not run it as root
- Only the latest version is supported
- No fixes are backported
The verdict
Topgrade brings multiple update tasks into one configurable command-line workflow. Its broad platform and package integrations fit users comfortable managing system tools from a terminal.
Who it suits
Topgrade suits people who maintain several development tools across Linux, macOS, Windows, or FreeBSD. It is also useful for users who want configurable repositories, custom commands, or remote SSH updates.
Plans and prices
Topgrade
Open-source CLI · self-updating binary or install from source · package-manager installation options
Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
On the record
- CLI workflow
- The project README says to run Topgrade with the `topgrade` command.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Configuration
- On first run, Topgrade creates a configuration file if one does not already exist, and it also loads and merges files from `topgrade.d`.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Custom commands
- Custom commands can be configured to run before, during, or after Topgrade's built-in commands.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Git repositories
- Topgrade can pull or fetch predefined and user-configured Git repositories, with a setting to choose fetch instead of pull.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Install options
- The project lists self-updating binaries and source installation for all platforms, plus package-manager installation options.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Package integrations
- The example configuration includes settings for Arch package managers, DNF, Nix, Homebrew, Flatpak, and Winget.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Privilege guidance
- The example configuration says Topgrade should not be run as root on Unix because it invokes sudo or an equivalent where needed.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Project history
- The repository describes this project as a fork of r-darwish's Topgrade that aims to keep it maintained.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Topgrade detects the tools you use and runs the appropriate commands to update them.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Remote execution
- Topgrade can use SSH to run Topgrade on configured remote hosts before acting locally.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security reporting
- The security policy directs vulnerability reports to the repository's Security tab.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support and community
- The project invites users to open an issue or discussion for questions and provides a Discord server for discussion.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The release page provides binaries for Apple macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Supported versions
- The security policy says only the latest Topgrade version is supported and fixes are not backported.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
