Homebrew is a powerful and widely-used package manager for macOS (and Linux) that simplifies the installation and management of software from the command line. Often referred to as “the missing package manager for macOS,” Homebrew allows users to install apps, libraries, and tools not included by default with macOS, all with simple terminal commands.
Whether you're a developer, sysadmin, or tech enthusiast, Homebrew is an essential tool that makes setting up and managing your system faster, easier, and more consistent.
✅ How to Install Homebrew
1. Open Terminal
You’ll need to use the Terminal app on your Mac. Open it from Applications > Utilities > Terminal or press Cmd + Space and type “Terminal”.
2. Run the Installation Command
Paste the following command in your terminal and press Enter:
bash
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
This will:
- Download the latest version of Homebrew
- Set it up in
/opt/homebrew (Apple Silicon) or /usr/local (Intel Macs)
- Configure your shell environment automatically
3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions
The installer will ask for your administrator password and may prompt you to install Command Line Tools for Xcode (if not already installed). Just follow the prompts and let it finish.
4. Add Homebrew to Your PATH (if needed)
If you see instructions at the end about modifying your shell config (like .zprofile, .bash_profile, or .zshrc), follow them. Usually, you’ll add something like this:
bash
echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"
🧠 Must-Know Homebrew Features and Commands
Once installed, Homebrew becomes your Swiss Army knife for installing software and developer tools. Here are the key features and commands you should know.
🛠️ 1. Installing Software with brew install
The most common command:
bash
brew install <package-name>
Examples:
brew install gitbrew install nodebrew install python
You can install thousands of open-source tools, libraries, and developer utilities this way.
🔍 2. Searching for Packages
If you’re unsure about the exact name of a package:
bash
brew search <keyword>
Example:
bash
brew search docker
🔄 3. Updating Homebrew and Packages
Keep your tools up to date with:
bash
brew update # Updates Homebrew itself
brew upgrade # Upgrades installed packages
🧹 4. Cleaning Up Old Versions
Free up disk space and clean up older versions of packages:
bash
brew cleanup
❌ 5. Uninstalling Packages
Remove an installed formula:
bash
brew uninstall <package-name>
📦 6. Installing GUI Applications with brew install --cask
Homebrew also supports installing macOS GUI apps with Homebrew Cask:
bash
brew install --cask <app-name>
Examples:
brew install --cask google-chromebrew install --cask visual-studio-codebrew install --cask iterm2
🧩 7. Managing Services
Use Homebrew to run background services (like databases):
bash
brew services start <service-name>
brew services stop <service-name>
Example:
bash
brew services start postgresql
🧾 8. Listing and Checking Packages
bash
brew list
- Check for outdated packages:
bash
brew outdated
bash
brew info <package-name>
💡 Tips and Best Practices
- Use
brew doctor to diagnose issues with your Homebrew setup.
- Regularly run
brew update && brew upgrade to stay current.
- Customize Homebrew by editing your shell configuration and aliases for frequently used commands.
- Combine with iTerm2, Zsh, and Oh My Zsh for a powerful terminal setup.
- For scripting or CI pipelines, Homebrew makes repeatable, scriptable setup easy.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Homebrew is an indispensable tool for any macOS user who wants a faster, simpler, and more powerful way to manage software. With just a few commands, you can install development tools, utilities, and even full applications—all from your terminal.
Whether you're setting up a new Mac or managing a professional dev environment, Homebrew is the first tool you should install. It’s open-source, highly supported, and built with macOS in mind.