Table of Contents
Introduction
Homebrew is a widely used package manager for macOS, though it’s also compatible with Linux. It simplifies the process of installing, updating, and managing software on your operating system by using simple command-line instructions. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to list all packages installed on your system using Homebrew, with an emphasis on different methods and troubleshooting tips for a seamless Homebrew experience.
Getting Started with Homebrew
Before we dive into listing the installed packages, ensure that you have Homebrew installed on your system. If it’s not installed, run the installation command shown below in your macOS Terminal or Linux shell. Once you’ve done that, you can begin using Homebrew.
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"Listing Installed Packages
The simplest way to list all the installed packages with Homebrew is to use the brew list command. When you run this command, Homebrew will display all the packages you’ve installed without any additional information.
$ brew list
Output:
package1
package2
package3
...
Detailed Package Information
For a more detailed list, the brew list --verbose command can be used to display the installed files of each package.
$ brew list --verbose
Output:
/usr/local/Cellar/package1/...
/usr/local/Cellar/package2/...
/usr/local/Cellar/package3/...
...
Listing Package Dependencies
Homebrew packages often have dependencies. To see the dependencies of all installed packages, use:
$ brew deps --installed
Output:
package1: dependency1 dependency2
package2: dependency3
package3: dependency1 dependency4
...Listing Packages as a Tree
To visually grasp the dependency structure, you can install and use the brew-graph utility:
$ brew install brew-graph
$ brew graph --installed --format=dot | dot -Tpng -o graph.png
This generates a graph saved as a PNG image that visually represents package dependencies.
Advanced Listing Techniques
For advanced users, Homebrew allows the use of formulae and casks for organizing software. We’ll explore how to list installed items for each.
Listing Formulas
A formula is a package defined by a Ruby script with instructions to install a piece of software. To list all installed formulas:
$ brew list --formula
Similarly, the brew info --installed command can be used to view detailed information about all installed formulas.
Listing Casks
A cask is an extension of Homebrew that allows the management of graphical applications through the Cask command. Use the following to list all installed casks:
$ brew list --cask
This command is helpful if you primarily use Homebrew to manage applications with a GUI.
Exporting and Sharing Your Package List
Sometimes it’s useful to export your list of installed packages, e.g., for setting up a new machine, version control, or sharing with others. To output the list to a file:
$ brew list > brew_packages.txt
Remember, you can combine flags to get tailored results, such as verbose outputs for both formulas and casks.
Pin and Unpin Packages
If you have packages that you do not want to update, you can pin them using brew pin. Conversely, you can use brew unpin to allow updates again.
$ brew pin package1
$ brew unpin package1
Troubleshooting Tips
If the brew list command is not behaving as expected, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Verify your Homebrew installation by running
brew doctor. - Make sure you have the latest version of Homebrew by updating it with
brew update. - Check for any issues that may be posted on the Homebrew GitHub repository.
Conclusion
Homebrew’s package-listing capabilities are vital for managing the software on macOS and Linux systems. Whether it’s for a quick review, a comprehensive audit, or preparing for a system migration, knowing how to leverage the brew list command is an essential skill for any developer or power user.
