> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pkgforge.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pkgforge.dev/repositories/soarpkgs/faq.md).

# FAQ

### Is this an AUR?

Soarpkgs is inspired by the AUR concept but with a curated approach. Packages are reviewed by maintainers before inclusion.

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### Cache

Cache refers to prebuilts from pkgforge's CI that Soar uses by default.

* [Bincache](/repositories/bincache.md): Prebuilt static binaries
* [Pkgcache](/repositories/pkgcache.md): Prebuilt GUI apps

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### GLIBC vs MUSL

MUSL binaries use [mimalloc](https://github.com/microsoft/mimalloc) for performance parity with GLIBC. We also apply LTO and PIE optimizations.

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### Portability

* Prebuilt packages are provided via cache to avoid build dependencies
* Heavy builds requiring containers are marked with a note
* Portable packages are tagged with `[PORTABLE]` in notes

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### Custom Repositories

Soar supports adding [custom repositories](/repositories/external.md). You can use third-party repos or create your own.

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### History

* **July 2023**: Toolpacks created
* **Sep 2024**: PkgCache created
* **Nov 2024**: Soarpkgs created