Why You Need a Package Manager on macOS
Tags: terminal, beginners, tutorial, devops
Published: 2024-05-19 07:20:48

Package managers are invaluable tools, they make the process of installing and managing software applications super easy. In this article, we delve into Homebrew, a package manager designed for macOS and Linux systems. We'll explore its advantages, setup process, and package management capabilities.

**What is Homebrew?**

As mentioned above, Homebrew is a package manager designed for macOS and Linux systems. This allows the installation and updating of software packages directly from the terminal.

**Why Use Homebrew?**

Here are some reasons to consider Homebrew:

_Effortless Installation and Management_: Homebrew streamlines the installation and management of packages, making tasks easier for users.
_Unified Package Updates_: Homebrew allows updating all installed packages with a single command, saving time and effort.
_Integration with Scripts_: Helps to automate package management tasks


**Installing Homebrew**

To install Homebrew, run the following command in your terminal:

​`/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"​`

After the installation is completed, just add environment variables as suggested at the end of installation.

**Finding and Installing New Packages**

Search for available packages in Homebrew's repository using the `brew search <package_name> `command. For example, to find Ansible, type `brew search ansible`. 
Once you've found the desired package, install it with brew install <package_name>, such as brew install ansible. 
To remove an installed package, use brew uninstall <package_name>, e.g., brew uninstall ansible.

**Managing Installed Packages**

_Listing Installed Packages:_ View a list of installed Homebrew packages with `brew list`.
_Identifying Outdated Packages:_ Find outdated packages with `brew outdated`.
_Updating Packages:_ Keep your packages up to date with `brew update`.
_Removing Old Versions:_ Clean up old versions of packages with `brew cleanup`.
_Addressing Issues:_ Detect and resolve any issues or warnings related to packages using `brew doctor`.

**Installing macOS Native Applications**

Homebrew's Cask extension allows the installation of macOS native applications.
When searching for packages, you'll find listings under formulae (non-GUI) and cask (GUI macOS applications). 
To install a macOS application, use the `brew install` command, which downloads, installs, and moves the software to the Applications folder. For example, to install Firefox, use `brew install firefox --cask`. 
Additional information on a package can be obtained with `brew info <package_name> --cask`, and you can visit the official website of an application using `brew home <package_name>`.

**Adding Repositories**

If you can't find a specific package, you may need to add its repository. Use `brew tap <repo_name> `to add a repository. For instance, to install Terraform, add the HashiCorp repository with `brew tap hashicorp/tap`. Once added, you can install terraform with `brew install terraform` If you had tried to install it before brew would have failed to find and install the package. 
To remove a repository, use `brew untap <repo_name>.`


**Uninstalling Homebrew**

If you decide to remove Homebrew from your machine, run the following command:
`/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/uninstall.sh)"`

**Want to Learn More?**

For further insights into Homebrew, visit their official website at [brew.sh.](brew.sh)