MacPorts is a packaging system similar to the FreeBSD Ports, that allows you to build software from source and installing it in a uniform manner. The system can automatically manage the package dependencies by downloading, building and installing each item as needed. In addition a porting system like the MacPorts easily facilitates updating a port and all of it’s dependencies.
In addition to X11 support this version of the MacPorts requires Apple’s Xcode Developer Tools (version 3.2.1 or later for Snow Leopard, 3.1.4 or later for Leopard, or 2.5 for Tiger), found at the Apple Developer Connection site or on your Mac OS X installation CDs/DVD. Ensure that the optional components for command line development are installed (“Unix Development” in the Xcode 3.x installer).
Apple has included X11 by default in Snow Leopard and Leopard, however it is an optional installation for Tiger. In addition there is an xorg-server port that you could also install.
