homebrew

---
name: homebrew
description: Homebrew package manager for macOS. Search, install, manage, and troubleshoot packages and casks.
metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🍺","requires":{"bins":["brew"]}}}
---

# Homebrew Package Manager

Complete Homebrew command reference and usage guide for installing, managing, and troubleshooting macOS packages.

## When to Use
- Installing packages or applications (`brew install X`)
- Searching for available packages (`brew search X`)
- Updating and upgrading existing packages
- Checking package information and dependencies
- Troubleshooting installation issues
- Managing installed packages

## Command Reference

### Package Search & Information

#### `brew search TEXT|/REGEX/`
**Usage:** Find packages by name or regex pattern
**When to use:** When user asks to find or search for a package
**Examples:**
```bash
brew search python
brew search /^node/
```

#### `brew info [FORMULA|CASK...]`
**Usage:** Display detailed information about one or more packages
**When to use:** Before installing to see dependencies, options, and details
**Examples:**
```bash
brew info python
brew info chrome google-chrome
```

### Installation & Upgrades

#### `brew install FORMULA|CASK...`
**Usage:** Install one or more packages or applications
**When to use:** When user says "install X" or "use brew to install X"
**Notes:**
- FORMULA = command-line tools (installed to /usr/local/bin)
- CASK = GUI applications (installed to /Applications)
- Can install multiple at once: `brew install git python nodejs`
**Examples:**
```bash
brew install python
brew install google-chrome  # installs as cask
brew install git python nodejs
```

#### `brew update`
**Usage:** Fetch the newest version of Homebrew and all formulae
**When to use:** When brew seems outdated or before major operations
**Notes:** Doesn't upgrade packages, just updates the package list
**Examples:**
```bash
brew update
```

#### `brew upgrade [FORMULA|CASK...]`
**Usage:** Upgrade installed packages or s