User Guide: Managing Software with Homebrew 🍺

Homebrew is like an App Store for your terminal. It makes installing, updating, and removing software easy. Whether you need command-line tools or Mac apps, Homebrew handles it all without dragging .dmg files around.

What Can Homebrew Do? 🤔

Homebrew installs two types of software:

Formulas: Command-line tools like git, python, or tree. These tools run in the terminal.
- Install with: brew install <formula_name>
Casks: Mac apps like Google Chrome, VS Code, or Spotify. These apps appear in your /Applications folder.
- Install with: brew install --cask <cask_name>

Everyday Homebrew Commands 🚀

Here are the most common commands you'll use:

1. Keep Homebrew Updated

Update Homebrew's Catalog: Refresh the list of available software.
```
brew update
```
Upgrade Installed Software: Update all tools and apps installed via Homebrew.
```
brew upgrade
```
Do Both Together:
```
brew update && brew upgrade
```

2. Install Software

Install a Command-Line Tool (Formula):

brew install <formula_name>
# Examples:
brew install tree    # Shows directory structures
brew install htop    # Advanced activity monitor
brew install jq      # Processes JSON data

Install a Mac App (Cask):

brew install --cask <cask_name>
# Examples:
brew install --cask firefox         # Installs Firefox browser
brew install --cask slack           # Installs Slack messaging app
brew install --cask rectangle       # Installs Rectangle window manager

3. Manage Installed Software

See What's Installed:

brew list          # Lists installed command-line tools
brew list --cask   # Lists installed Mac apps

Get Info About a Package:

brew info <formula_name>
brew info --cask <cask_name>
# Examples:
brew info git
brew info --cask visual-studio-code

Uninstall Software:

brew uninstall <formula_name>
brew uninstall --cask <cask_name>
# Examples:
brew uninstall tree
brew uninstall --cask firefox

4. Clean Up

Remove Old Files: Free up disk space by deleting old versions of software.

brew cleanup

Example Output:

Removing: /opt/homebrew/Cellar/node/18.15.0... (X files, Y MB)
==> Pruning caches
Removed X files and Y MB

5. Troubleshooting

Check for Problems: If something isn't working, run this command. It often tells you how to fix issues.
```
brew doctor
```
- Example Output:
```
Your system is ready to brew.
```

6. Manage Background Services

Some tools (like databases) can run in the background.

List Services:
```
brew services list
```

Start a Service:

brew services start <service_name>
# Example:
brew services start redis

Stop a Service:
```
brew services stop <service_name>
```
Restart a Service:
```
brew services restart <service_name>
```

Searching for Software 🔍

Not sure if Homebrew has what you need? Search for it:

brew search <keyword>
# Examples:
brew search mysql        # Search for MySQL database
brew search image editor # Search for image editing tools/apps
brew search node         # Search for Node.js

Pro Tip: Run Updates Regularly

Keep your tools fresh by running:

brew update && brew upgrade

Homebrew makes managing software on your Mac simple and efficient. Dive in and explore!

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