10 Essential Homebrew Commands You Should Know

Homebrew is the most popular package manager for macOS, and mastering its commands is essential for efficient package management. In this guide, we'll explore the 10 most important Homebrew commands that every macOS user should know.

1. Install Packages

The most basic and commonly used command is brew install:

brew install package_name

You can also install multiple packages at once:

brew install package1 package2 package3

2. Update Homebrew

Keep your Homebrew installation up to date:

brew update

This command updates Homebrew's package database to the latest version.

3. Upgrade Packages

Upgrade all installed packages:

brew upgrade

Or upgrade a specific package:

brew upgrade package_name

4. Remove Packages

Uninstall a package:

brew uninstall package_name

5. Get Package Information

View detailed information about a package:

brew info package_name

6. List Installed Packages

See all currently installed packages:

brew list

7. Search for Packages

Find packages in the Homebrew repository:

brew search package_name

8. Check System Status

Diagnose your Homebrew installation:

brew doctor

9. Clean Up

Remove old versions and clean the cache:

brew cleanup

10. Manage Taps

List tapped repositories:

brew tap

Add a new tap:

brew tap user/repo

Pro Tips

1. Combine update and upgrade:

brew update && brew upgrade

2. Use brew doctor regularly to maintain a healthy Homebrew installation.

3. Consider using Bold Brew for a more intuitive package management experience.

Conclusion

These commands form the foundation of Homebrew usage. While mastering the command line is important, tools like Bold Brew can make package management more intuitive and efficient.

Remember to check the Bold Brew documentation for more tips and tricks on managing your Homebrew packages.