tech

Homebrew

macOS package manager - install CLI tools and apps with one command, manage dependencies automatically

TL;DR

What: The missing package manager for macOS (and Linux).

Why: Install software with one command, manage dependencies automatically.

Quick Start

Install Homebrew:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Add to PATH (Apple Silicon Mac):

echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"

Verify installation:

brew --version

Install a package:

brew install wget
brew install git
brew install node

Install GUI apps (Casks):

brew install --cask visual-studio-code
brew install --cask google-chrome
brew install --cask docker

Cheatsheet

Command	Description
`brew install pkg`	Install a package
`brew uninstall pkg`	Remove a package
`brew upgrade`	Upgrade all packages
`brew upgrade pkg`	Upgrade specific package
`brew update`	Update Homebrew itself
`brew list`	List installed packages
`brew search text`	Search for packages
`brew info pkg`	Package information
`brew doctor`	Diagnose issues
`brew cleanup`	Remove old versions
`brew services list`	List background services
`brew services start pkg`	Start a service

Gotchas

Command not found after install

# Add to PATH (check your shell)
# For zsh (default on macOS):
echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile

# For bash:
echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.bash_profile

# Then reload:
source ~/.zprofile  # or ~/.bash_profile

Permission errors

# Fix Homebrew directory permissions
sudo chown -R $(whoami) /opt/homebrew

# Or for Intel Mac:
sudo chown -R $(whoami) /usr/local/Homebrew

Package conflicts

# Unlink conflicting package
brew unlink pkg

# Link the one you want
brew link pkg

# Force link if needed
brew link --overwrite pkg

Brew doctor warnings

# Run diagnostics
brew doctor

# Usually safe to ignore warning about unlinked kegs
# Fix issues as suggested by the output