How to Use the 'brew search' Command (with Examples)
Homebrew, commonly referred to as ‘brew,’ is a package manager for macOS and Linux systems. It simplifies the installation of software by automating the retrieval and installation process, helping users manage software easily from the command line. One of the powerful features of Homebrew is the ability to search for available software packages, known as “casks” and “formulae.” This guide will explore various use cases of the brew search command, providing examples illustrating how to search for different types of software packages.
Use case 1: Search for Casks and Formulae Using a Keyword
Code:
brew search keyword
Motivation:
Imagine wanting to find all available software related to a specific tool or technology. For instance, if you’re interested in software packages related to PostgreSQL, you might use a simple keyword like “postgres” to discover what Homebrew offers. This can be particularly useful if you are unsure of the exact name or wish to explore related packages.
Explanation:
brew: This invokes the Homebrew package manager.search: This tells Homebrew to perform a search action.keyword: A term or phrase representing the desired software or category you are interested in.
Example Output:
homebrew/cask/postgres
homebrew/core/postgresql
homebrew/cask/pgadmin4
Use case 2: Search for Casks and Formulae Using a Regular Expression
Code:
brew search /regular_expression/
Motivation:
Using regular expressions allows for sophisticated search patterns, offering a more flexible approach to locating specific packages. For example, if you’re searching for software starting with ‘php’ followed by any digit, you might use /^php[0-9]/ which helps in finding all versioned PHP packages.
Explanation:
brew: Initiates the Homebrew command.search: Commands Homebrew to execute a search./regular_expression/: Enclosed in slashes, this denotes the use of a regular expression to specify complex search criteria.
Example Output:
homebrew/core/php5
homebrew/core/php7
homebrew/core/php8
Use case 3: Enable Searching Through Descriptions
Code:
brew search --desc keyword
Motivation:
There might be occasions when the package names themselves aren’t enough for your search, particularly if you are interested in the functionality that packages provide. By searching descriptions, you can unearth packages whose purpose aligns with your needs even if their names don’t immediately suggest it.
Explanation:
brew: Launches the Homebrew command-line tool.search: Instructs Homebrew to conduct a search.--desc: This option expands the search to include the descriptions of packages.keyword: The specific term you’re searching for within package descriptions.
Example Output:
homebrew/core/aria2 ARIA2, a lightweight multi-protocol and multi-source download utility.
homebrew/core/cmake CMake, a cross-platform, open-source build system.
Use case 4: Only Search for Formulae
Code:
brew search --formula keyword
Motivation:
When your interest lies specifically in command-line utilities or libraries that you need for development or operations, searching solely for formulae (which are packages usually compiled from source) can streamline the results.
Explanation:
brew: Calls upon the Homebrew package manager.search: Directs Homebrew to perform a search.--formula: Limits the search to only include formulae.keyword: Identifies the specific topic or package of interest.
Example Output:
homebrew/core/httpd
homebrew/core/python
homebrew/core/ruby
Use case 5: Only Search for Casks
Code:
brew search --cask keyword
Motivation:
If you are in search of graphical applications or other types of software distributed through binary packages, limiting your search to casks can help. For instance, finding a desktop application like ‘spotify’ through casks makes it easier to find and install the desired application version.
Explanation:
brew: Engages the functionality of the Homebrew system.search: Alerts Homebrew to carry out a search operation.--cask: Narrows the search to include only casks.keyword: The user-defined term that specifies the search subject.
Example Output:
homebrew/cask/spotify
homebrew/cask/spotifree
Conclusion
The brew search command in Homebrew is a powerful tool that offers flexibility in finding specific types of software packages tailored to your needs. By leveraging options like regular expressions or description-based searches, users can efficiently navigate the vast repository of formulae and casks to find exactly what they are looking for. Whether you require a command-line utility or a full-fledged desktop application, understanding how to effectively use the brew search command can significantly enhance your software management experience on macOS and Linux systems.
