The missing package manager for macOS
Introduction
Homebrew is 'the missing package manager for macOS': one command installs, upgrades and uninstalls CLI tools and software, with Cask extending to GUI apps. Running it is muscle memory as the first step of any Mac dev setup, and the Formula ecosystem covers every dependency you can name.
Key Features
- One-command installs
- Thousands of Formula packages
- Cask covers GUI apps
- Automatic dependency resolution
- Also works on Linux/WSL
Pros
- The de facto Mac dev standard
- Extremely comprehensive ecosystem
Cons
- Upgrades occasionally hit version conflicts
Pricing
Completely free and open-source.（See official site for current pricing）
FAQ
brew vs brew cask?
brew manages CLI tools; cask manages GUI apps.
Slow downloads?
Switch to domestic mirrors for major speedups.
Works on Linux?
Yes, as Linuxbrew.
Related Sites
Collected on lucifer.city · Reviewed by the founder