Homebrew
The missing package manager for macOS (or Linux).
What is Homebrew?
Homebrew is the easiest and most flexible way to install the UNIX tools Apple didn’t include with macOS. Also available for Linux.
What Does Homebrew Do?
- Homebrew installs the stuff you need that Apple (or your Linux system) didn’t.
- Homebrew installs packages to their own directory and then symlinks their files into /usr/local (on macOS Intel).
- Homebrew won’t install files outside its prefix and you can place a Homebrew installation wherever you like.
- Trivially create your own Homebrew packages.
- It’s all Git and Ruby underneath, so hack away with the knowledge that you can easily revert your modifications and merge upstream updates.
- Homebrew formulae are simple Ruby scripts.
- Homebrew complements macOS (or your Linux system). Install your RubyGems with gem and their dependencies with brew.
- “To install, drag this icon…” no more. Homebrew Cask installs macOS apps, fonts and plugins and other non-open source software.
- Making a cask is as simple as creating a formula.
Homebrew Screenshots
Homebrew Features
Homebrew information
- Developed byMax Howell
- LicensingOpen Source (BSD-2-Clause) and Free product.
- Written in
- RatingAverage rating of 4.1
- Alternatives43 alternatives listed
Supported Languages
- English
GitHub repository
- 35,454 Stars
- 8,667 Forks
- 37 Open Issues
- Updated
Comments and Reviews
Tags
- Software Repository
- unix
- Linux
Sometimes the best tools are the ones that work so well you don't even stop to think about them. Homebrew has matured into just such a tool. Tons of features for advanced users, but straightforward enough for people (like me) who just want to install/uninstall/update apps quickly and easily. I now use Homebrew for all of my package management needs; even its core library is very extensive. Bravo Homebrew devs and community!
Homebrew makes development possible on macOS! Without it, we wouldn't be able to use anything from the Linux ecosystem, and it would be like developing on Windows. It's great because I personally dislike Linux as a personal OS, but love it as a server OS, so when I write code for production, it's for Linux, and Homebrew lets me write I on macOS! Well done Homebrew devs!
Homebrew is quite slow in updating even the most important packages. Not good for my usage. Might be good for you...
It's like apt-get for Mac!
Make installation (command line or apps) on macOS one command
There is no easier way to install apps. Takes a little bit of learning the basics, however once you get your head around it you will be using it all the time and wonder why you wasted time doing it any other way.
Open source. Makes life easier.