Homebrew is a free and open-source package manager designed for macOS and Linux that simplifies installing and managing software from the command line. Often called “the missing package manager,” it provides tools and applications that are not included by default with the operating system. Homebrew installs packages into its own directory and safely symlinks them, keeping the system clean and organized. It uses simple commands like brew install to handle downloading, building, and updating software automatically. Under the hood, Homebrew is built on Git and Ruby, making it transparent, customizable, and easy to extend. It complements existing system tools and package managers, streamlining development and power-user workflows.
Features
- Easy installation and management of command-line tools and libraries
- Isolated package installation with safe symlinking into a single prefix
- Simple, readable formulae written in Ruby for creating custom packages
- Homebrew Cask support for installing macOS apps, fonts, and plugins
- Works on both macOS and Linux environments
- Built on Git for easy updates, rollbacks, and community collaboration
Project Samples
License
BSD LicenseFollow Homebrew
User Reviews
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I’m surprised this isn’t at the top of the list for Mac with thousands of 5-star reviews. Absolutely essential. One of the first things I install on every new Mac.
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if you use a mac and open-source software, you absolutely need homebrew