> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://toska.gitbook.io/macos-setup/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://toska.gitbook.io/macos-setup/homebrew.md).

# Homebrew

[Homebrew](https://brew.sh/) calls itself *The missing package manager for macOS* and is an essential tool for any developer.

### Installation <a href="#installation" id="installation"></a>

Before you can run Homebrew you need to have the **Command Line Tools** for **Xcode** installed. It include compilers that will allow you to build things from source, and if you are missing this it's available through the App Store > Updates.

To install Homebrew run the following: terminal, hit **Enter**, and follow the steps on the screen:

```
$ /usr/bin/ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"
```

One thing you need to do is tell the system to use programs installed by Hombrew (in `/usr/local/bin`) rather than the OS default if it exists. You do this by adding `/usr/local/bin` to your `PATH` environment variable (if you're using `zsh` you should use `.zshrc` instead of `.bash_profile`):

```
$ echo 'export PATH="/usr/local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bash_profile
```

Alternatively, you can also insert `/usr/local/bin` to the first line of `/private/etc/paths` and reboot the Mac to change global paths loading order. Admin password may be required if you modify the file.

To be able to use `brew` you need to start a new terminal session. After that you should make sure everything is working by running:

```
$ brew doctor
```