Homebrew Cheatsheet

Package manager for macOS and Linux to install and manage software easily

Updated at: March 10, 2025

Homebrew Installation & Setup

Homebrew is a package manager for macOS and Linux that simplifies software installation. It provides a straightforward way to install, update, and manage command-line tools and applications without requiring administrator privileges for every operation.

Package Management

Homebrew's core functionality revolves around package management. Learn how to install, remove, search, and manage software packages efficiently with Homebrew's command-line interface.

Formulae & Casks

Homebrew uses formulae to install command-line tools and casks to install GUI applications. Formulae are Ruby scripts that define how to install packages, while casks extend Homebrew to manage macOS applications, fonts, plugins, and other non-open-source software.

Taps & Repositories

Taps are external repositories of Homebrew formulae and casks. They allow you to access packages that aren't included in the core Homebrew repository. You can add, remove, and create your own taps to extend Homebrew's capabilities.

Homebrew Maintenance

Homebrew requires regular maintenance to keep your system clean, optimize disk space, and ensure packages function correctly. These commands help diagnose and fix common issues while managing your Homebrew installation.

Advanced Usage

Advanced Homebrew features enable power users to manage services, create custom packages, automate installations, and customize their brewing environment. These tools help streamline workflows and extend Homebrew's capabilities beyond basic package management.