Finding the app’s websiteFinding the download for MacDownloading the app, typically in a DMG archiveOpening the DMG archive after the download finishesDragging the app icon from the mounted archive to the applications folder
Nothing about this is difficult, but it is time-consuming. Imagine if instead you could type three words, hit enter, and let your computer do everything for you. This is possible, thanks to Homebrew, a program that will let you install almost any application you can think of by typing “brew install” followed by the name of the app. There’s a real joy in simply telling your computer to do something and watching it happen, but the Terminal doesn’t explain itself the way other software does. I think Homebrew is the best tool for Mac users to get started with, because it’s so much better than installing software the old-fashioned way.
It’s faster: As outlined above, for most applications you can type three words and watch an app install itself. It’s safer: Googling the name of an application and installing it isn’t necessarily secure. Downloading a free application from the wrong website is risky, and could result in you installing malware directly onto your computer. Installing from Homebrew removes some of this risk because a team of volunteers are finding the exact package you need. Easier updates: Updating software is important, but sometimes it’s harder than it needs to be. Take Calibre, a free e-book manager which can do all sorts of e-reader tricks. This tool has frequent updates but no quick way to install them, meaning you have to download and install the update yourself every time. If you installed Calibre via Homebrew, though, you only need to type “brew update” to update every app you’ve installed using Homebrew
How to set up Homebrew
The simplest way to get started is to head to brew.sh, the Homebrew homepage, and follow the instructions. There’s a single line of code you will need to copy and then paste into the Terminal on your Mac. Hit enter and follow the instructions. You’ll find the application just where you expect it: in the Applications folder. Neat, right? And this works for thousands of applications. There are a few more tricks you can learn, too:
