brew
Package manager for macOS and Linux
TLDR
Install package
SYNOPSIS
brew command [options] [formula]
DESCRIPTION
brew (Homebrew) is a package manager for macOS and Linux. It installs software from source or pre-compiled binaries, managing dependencies and versions. Homebrew has become the de facto standard package manager for macOS.
The tool simplifies software installation and maintenance on Unix-like systems.
PARAMETERS
install formula
Install packageuninstall formula
Remove packageupdate
Update Homebrew itselfupgrade [formula]
Upgrade packagessearch query
Search for packageslist
List installed packagesinfo formula
Show package informationdoctor
Check system for problemscleanup
Remove old versions
CONCEPTS
Formula
Package definition (e.g., wget, node)Cask
macOS GUI application (e.g., firefox, slack)Tap
Third-party repositoryCellar
Where packages are installed (/usr/local/Cellar)
COMMON OPERATIONS
brew install node
# Install GUI app (macOS)
brew install --cask firefox
# Update package database
brew update
# Upgrade all packages
brew upgrade
# Show outdated
brew outdated
# Cleanup old versions
brew cleanup
# Add third-party tap
brew tap homebrew/cask-fonts
SERVICES
brew services start postgresql
# List services
brew services list
# Stop service
brew services stop redis
CAVEATS
macOS system updates can break Homebrew. Requires Xcode Command Line Tools on macOS. Can conflict with system Python. Upgrades all dependencies (not minimal updates). Large download sizes for some packages.
HISTORY
Homebrew was created by Max Howell in 2009 to provide a simple, Git-based package manager for macOS, becoming the most popular macOS package manager.
SEE ALSO
brew-install(1), brew-services(1), apt(8)