Set up a new Mac for development

From a fresh Mac to a ready-to-code machine: tools, Homebrew, Git identity, SSH and sensible Finder settings.

10 min7 stepsmacOS

  1. Install the command line tools

    Gives you git, make and compilers.

    xcode-select --install

  2. Install Homebrew

    Follow the "Next steps" it prints to add brew to your PATH.

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

    Runs a script from the internet with your permissions. This is Homebrew’s official installer.

  3. Install your apps

    Repeat for each app you need.

    brew install --cask

  4. Tell Git who you are

    Used on every commit.

    git config --global user.name "" && git config --global user.email ""

  5. Default to main

    For new repositories.

    git config --global init.defaultBranch main

  6. Create an SSH key

    Then follow the GitHub SSH guide.

    ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C ""

  7. Show hidden files and extensions

    Two Finder settings most developers want.

    defaults write NSGlobalDomain AppleShowAllExtensions -bool true && killall Finder

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