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How to Install Brew (Homebrew) on Mac and Linux
Homebrew — almost always called Brew — is the most widely used package manager for macOS, and it also runs on Linux. It lets you install command-line tools, programming languages, databases, and developer utilities with a single terminal command instead of hunting down installers manually. If you're setting up a development environment, Brew is usually one of the first things developers reach for.
Here's exactly how it works, what you'll need, and which factors determine whether the process goes smoothly for your specific machine.
What Homebrew Actually Does
A package manager is a tool that automates downloading, installing, updating, and removing software. Instead of visiting a website, downloading a .dmg, dragging it to Applications, and later forgetting how to uninstall it — you type one line and Brew handles the rest.
Brew installs packages into their own isolated directories and then symlinks (links) them into /usr/local on Intel Macs or /opt/homebrew on Apple Silicon Macs. This keeps your system clean and makes it easy to remove or upgrade anything later.
What You Need Before Installing Brew 🛠️
Before running the install command, check that your system meets the baseline requirements:
| Requirement | macOS | Linux |
|---|---|---|
| OS version | macOS Monterey or later (recommended) | Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, or similar |
| Processor | Intel 64-bit or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3+) | 64-bit x86 or ARM |
| Command Line Tools | Xcode Command Line Tools required | curl, git, and bash required |
| Shell access | Terminal app | Any terminal emulator |
| Internet connection | Required | Required |
The single most common issue people hit is a missing or outdated Xcode Command Line Tools package on macOS. Brew's install script handles this automatically in most cases, but if it fails mid-install, that's usually why.
How to Install Brew: Step by Step
Step 1 — Open Terminal
On macOS, open Terminal from Applications → Utilities, or search "Terminal" via Spotlight (Cmd + Space).
On Linux, open your distribution's default terminal emulator.
Step 2 — Run the Official Install Script
Go to brew.sh to confirm the current install command — it occasionally changes. As of writing, the standard command is: