Homebrew is a free and open-source software package management system that simplifies the installation of software on macOS and Linux. It allows users to install and manage various software packages, command-line utilities, libraries, and desktop applications directly from the terminal. Homebrew was originally written by Max Howell.
Key features of Homebrew include easy installation and management of a wide range of software, handling of software dependencies, and keeping packages up-to-date. It provides two types of packages: formulae (software packages installed via the command line) and casks (software packages installed via a graphical user interface). Homebrew uses a beer-themed naming convention; for example, third-party repositories are called "taps", and binary packages are called "bottles". Homebrew is available in English.
Homebrew is free to use. Several commands are available to keep Homebrew up-to-date such as brew update, brew outdated, brew upgrade, brew cleanup, and brew doctor. Homebrew is readily available for macOS and Linux. To install Homebrew, users can paste a command into the macOS Terminal or Linux shell prompt.