Homebrew commands

Install Homebrew, keep apps and tools up to date, clean up old versions and back up everything you have installed.

/

8 commands

macOSLinuxCareful

The official one-line installer from brew.sh.

$/bin/bash -c "$(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.

macOSLinux

Refreshes Homebrew and upgrades all installed formulae and casks.

$brew update && brew upgrade

macOSLinux

Removes old versions and the entire download cache.

$brew cleanup --prune=all

macOS

Installs a GUI app. Search names with brew search.

$brew install --cask

macOSLinux

All installed formulae and casks.

$brew list

macOSLinux

Checks your setup and explains how to fix issues.

$brew doctor

macOSLinux

Starts a database or server and keeps it running at login.

$brew services start

macOSLinux

Saves everything installed to a Brewfile. Restore on a new Mac with brew bundle --file=~/Brewfile.

$brew bundle dump --file=~/Brewfile

Every command copies as plain, clean text: no curly quotes, no long dashes, no invisible characters.

Related guides