Homebrew-core is the canonical formula repository for Homebrew, the macOS (and Linux) package manager, containing the Ruby “formulae” that describe how to fetch, build, and install thousands of open-source packages. Each formula encodes metadata, dependencies, build instructions, and tests so Homebrew can produce reproducible bottles (prebuilt binaries) or source builds across supported macOS and Linux environments. The repo is the operational center for package maintenance: maintainers review updates, address compatibility patches, and manage version migrations and deprecations to keep the ecosystem healthy. When users install or upgrade packages, Homebrew leverages the core formulae to resolve dependencies, perform sandboxed builds, and run post-install hooks, making development toolchains and end-user apps easy to provision.
Features
- Large collection of formulae for open source software maintained by community and maintainers
- Prebuilt binaries (“bottles”) available for many formulae to speed up installs
- Ability to build from source when needed or when binary not available
- Dependence resolution, versioning, formula homepages/docs via the formula files
- Automatic cleanup of older versions and handling of updates/upgrades of installed packages
- Integration with macOS and Linux environments; makes software accessible via CLI