Question 1

How do I install Homebrew on macOS?

Accepted Answer

Run the installation script from the official website: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)". Ensure Xcode Command Line Tools are installed first, as recommended in the documentation for a smooth setup.

Question 2

Homebrew vs MacPorts: which should I use?

Accepted Answer

Homebrew is better for most macOS users due to its simplicity, non-invasive approach, and larger community, while MacPorts offers more customization for advanced users but with a steeper learning curve. Homebrew's cask system for GUI apps gives it an edge for desktop software management.

Question 3

How to update all packages with Homebrew?

Accepted Answer

First run 'brew update' to fetch the latest formula definitions, then 'brew upgrade' to update all installed packages. For GUI applications installed via casks, use 'brew upgrade --cask' to ensure everything is current.

Question 4

Why does 'brew doctor' show warnings?

Accepted Answer

'brew doctor' checks for common issues like permission problems or outdated dependencies in your Homebrew setup. Refer to the Troubleshooting Checklist in the README to resolve these warnings, which often involve fixing directory permissions or updating system tools.

Question 5

Can I use Homebrew on Ubuntu or other Linux distros?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Homebrew is available for Linux via the same installation script, but package availability may be limited compared to macOS. Native package managers like apt are often better for system tools, while Homebrew can supplement with user-space software.

Question 6

How do I create a custom formula for software not in Homebrew?

Accepted Answer

Write a Ruby-based formula following the Formula Cookbook in the documentation, test it locally with 'brew install', and ensure it passes 'brew audit --strict'. Then, submit a pull request to a tap or the core repository for community review.

Question 7

How to completely uninstall Homebrew from my system?

Accepted Answer

Use the uninstall script provided in the documentation: /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/uninstall.sh)". This removes the Cellar, taps, and other Homebrew files, but manually check for残留配置 if issues arise.

Homebrew

What is Homebrew?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions