Homebrew is the go-to package manager for macOS developers, power users, and anyone who wants to install apps or command-line tools with a single command. Whether you’re setting up a new Mac or preparing a development environment, this guide walks you through the entire Homebrew installation process in a clean, simple, and reliable way.
What You Need Before Installing Homebrew
Before starting, make sure your Mac meets these requirements.
Nothing complex—just the essentials:
- macOS 11 Big Sur or later
- Internet connection
- Command Line Tools for Xcode (Homebrew installs this automatically if missing)
- Works on both Intel Macs and Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3)
Step 1: Open Terminal
You can launch Terminal using one of these methods:
- Open Applications → Utilities → Terminal
- OR press Command + Space, search for Terminal, and press Enter
This is where you’ll run the installation command.
Step 2: Install Homebrew Using the Official Script
Copy and paste this command into Terminal and press Enter:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"This is the official install script from Homebrew’s GitHub repository.
The installer will:
- Download Homebrew
- Configure dependencies
- Prompt you to enter your Mac password
- Suggest next steps for PATH configuration
Step 3: Add Homebrew to Your PATH
After installation, Homebrew will display the exact command you need to add to your shell profile.
Here are the standard ones based on your Mac type.
For Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs
echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"For Intel Macs
echo 'eval "$(/usr/local/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile
eval "$(/usr/local/bin/brew shellenv)"This step ensures the brew command works in every new Terminal window.
Step 4: Verify That Homebrew Installed Correctly
Run:
brew --versionIf it returns a version number, the installation is successful.
You can also run a quick diagnostic test:
brew doctorIf it says Your system is ready to brew, you’re good to go.
Step 5: Try Installing a Package (Optional)
To confirm everything is working, install a simple utility like wget:
brew install wgetThis shows Homebrew downloading and installing the tool automatically—no manual setup required.
Troubleshooting Homebrew Installation
If you run into issues, here are the most common fixes:
1. Command Not Found: brew
This happens when the PATH isn’t set correctly.
Run:
echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"(Use /usr/local/bin on Intel Macs.)
2. Permission Errors
Fix by resetting permissions:
sudo chown -R $(whoami) $(brew --prefix)/*3. Network Blocked or Slow
Use this command to verify connection:
curl https://brew.shIf it’s blocked, switch networks or disable VPN.
Why Homebrew Is Essential on macOS
Homebrew makes installing development tools effortless. With it, you can install:
- Git, Node.js, Python, Java
- OpenSSL, FFmpeg, Redis, MySQL
- CLI apps like
htop,aria2,wget - GUI apps via Homebrew Cask (Chrome, VS Code, Discord)
One command installs (and updates) everything cleanly.
Homebrew is one of the most useful tools you can add to a Mac, especially if you work in development, automation, or system management. Its installation process is simple, reliable, and fully script-based. Whether you’re preparing a new Mac or optimizing your workflow, Homebrew gives you a powerful way to manage packages without digging through installers manually.
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