Is MACS3 the same as MACS2?

Question

[cwwong13]

For some reason, I cannot install the MACS2 via conda and pip on my institution's computer server. However, I can install MACS3. I realized MACS3 is relatively new while many older tutorials suggest installation of MACS2. Should I assume the backward compatibility of these two software?

I did find the GitHub page, but I am not sure how can I tell if these two are the same. Notably, they have changed the function name to macs3. My guess is it might break some of the old wrappers, but again, I am not sure whether I am wrong. Thanks!

Answer 1

[GenoMax]

It is new major version release of the MACS program: https://github.com/macs3-project/MACS/releases

Major changes are listed here: https://github.com/macs3-project/MACS

Citation on the page still refers to the original MACS paper.

[ATpoint]

That having said, functionality in terms of calling peaks is (from what I can tell) the exact same. Changes no not concern the callpeak functions. Maybe it's a bit faster and more memory-efficient.