As a developer, one of the most efficient ways to set up and manage your macOS development environment is by using Homebrew, a package manager that simplifies the installation and maintenance of software.
Whether you’re a web developer, mobile app developer, or working with cloud-based systems, Homebrew is an indispensable tool for managing your tools, libraries, and software.
In this guide, we will cover what to brew install as developer to streamline your workflow. We’ll dive into essential tools and apps that every macOS developer should have, focusing on the best practices for installation, updates, and overall system management.
Why Use Homebrew for Developer Tools?
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand why Homebrew is the go-to package manager for developers on macOS. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Easy Software Management: Homebrew lets you easily install, update, and manage software packages with simple commands. It’s especially useful for managing tools not available on the Mac App Store.
- Centralized Installation: Instead of downloading multiple software packages from various websites, Homebrew provides a single command to install everything from text editors to Docker and databases.
- Automatic Updates: Homebrew keeps all installed software up to date with minimal effort. It even helps with cleaning up old versions to keep your system lean.
Let’s dive into the essential software and tools developers should brew install to create an efficient and powerful macOS environment.
What to Brew Install as Developer-Top Tools
VS Code (Free)
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors for developers, known for its speed, simplicity, and a wide range of features. It comes with a built-in terminal, debugging tools, and Git integration, making it an ideal choice for any developer.
Install VS Code:
IntelliJ IDEA (Free/Paid)
IntelliJ IDEA is a powerful, feature-rich Integrated Development Environment (IDE) commonly used by Java developers, though it supports multiple programming languages such as Kotlin, Python, and JavaScript. Its robust features include code completion, real-time error detection, and support for advanced refactoring.
Install IntelliJ IDEA:
Android Studio (Free)
For mobile developers, especially Android app developers, Android Studio is essential. It comes with all the necessary tools for creating Android apps, including an emulator, debuggers, and performance profiling tools.
Install Android Studio:
Docker (Free)
Docker is a containerization platform that allows developers to package applications with all their dependencies into standardized units. It’s a must-have for developers working in cloud-based environments or for anyone building microservices architectures.
Install Docker:
Node.js (Free)
For JavaScript developers, Node.js is a runtime that allows you to run JavaScript on the server-side. It’s essential for any developer working with full-stack JavaScript applications or with frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.
Install Node.js:
Git (Free)
Git is a distributed version control system that every developer should be familiar with. It helps manage code changes, track project history, and collaborate with other developers.
Install Git:
MySQL (Free)
MySQL is a powerful, open-source relational database management system. It’s a great option for developers working with databases in a variety of web applications, especially those using PHP, Python, and other backend languages.
Install MySQL:
PostgreSQL (Free)
For developers working with more advanced database features, PostgreSQL is a popular alternative to MySQL. Known for its stability and features like full-text search and JSON support, it’s great for building complex, data-driven applications.
Install PostgreSQL:
Nginx (Free)
Nginx is a high-performance HTTP server and reverse proxy server, ideal for developers working on web applications or managing web infrastructure.
Install Nginx:
Homebrew Cask is a Homebrew extension for managing graphical applications and large packages like IDEs, databases, and developer tools. It’s great for handling macOS applications not available via the standard Homebrew formulae.
Install Homebrew Cask:
Utility Tools Every Developer Should Install
These utility tools will help you with various tasks, from terminal customization to screenshot management.
Warp Terminal (Free/Paid)
Warp is a modern, fast terminal emulator with GPU acceleration, syntax highlighting, and advanced search features. It’s an excellent choice for developers who spend a lot of time working in the terminal.
Install Warp Terminal:
Raycast (Free/Paid)
Raycast is a productivity app that acts as an alternative to Spotlight on macOS. It’s a fast, extensible launcher with integrations for tasks, notes, calendar events, and even AI assistants.
Install Raycast:
Rectangle (Free/Paid)
Rectangle is a window management tool that allows you to organize your app windows with keyboard shortcuts. It’s a useful utility for developers who often work with multiple windows simultaneously.
Install Rectangle:
CotEditor (Free)
CotEditor is a lightweight text editor that supports syntax highlighting for many programming languages. It’s ideal for quick file editing, especially when working with plain-text files like HTML, Markdown, or even source code.
Install CotEditor:
Numi (Paid)
Numi is a powerful calculator that allows you to perform unit conversions, currency calculations, and handle date/time tasks in a natural language format. It’s perfect for developers who need to quickly perform calculations without switching contexts.
Install Numi:
Database Tools to Brew Install
Managing and working with databases is a big part of modern development. Here are the essential database tools to install:
Redis (Free)
Redis is a high-performance key-value store used for caching and message brokering. It’s an essential tool for developers working with large-scale applications or microservices.
Install Redis:
MongoDB (Free)
MongoDB is a NoSQL database popular for its flexibility and scalability. It’s often used in web development and data-driven applications.
Install MongoDB:
How to Manage Your Homebrew Installation
Once you’ve installed these tools, it’s important to keep everything up-to-date and optimized. Here’s how you can manage your Homebrew environment effectively:
Updating Your Installed Tools
To ensure that all your tools are up-to-date, you can run the following command:
Uninstalling Unnecessary Tools
To uninstall any tool that is no longer needed:
Conclusion
By installing the right tools with Homebrew, you can streamline your development workflow, boost productivity, and keep your macOS system organized. Whether you’re coding in JavaScript, managing databases, or optimizing your terminal experience, Homebrew makes it easy to access all the necessary tools with a single command.
From essential IDEs like VS Code to powerful utilities like Warp Terminal and Docker, this list of “What to brew install as developer” will help you build a solid, productive development environment.
FAQS
What is Homebrew and why should developers use it?
Homebrew is a package manager for macOS, making it easy to install and manage software and tools. Developers use it to quickly set up development environments, install essential tools, and keep everything up-to-date with simple commands.
How do I install Homebrew on macOS?
You can install Homebrew by running the following command in your terminal:
bashCopy code/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
This will set up Homebrew on your macOS for managing packages efficiently.
What are the most essential tools to install via Homebrew?
Some must-have tools for developers include:
- VS Code for coding
- Docker for containerization
- Git for version control
- Node.js for JavaScript development
- Postman for API testing
These tools can be installed easily using Homebrew commands like brew install --cask <tool_name>.
Can I install software other than development tools using Homebrew?
Yes, Homebrew is not limited to development tools. You can install a wide variety of software, including utilities like browsers, text editors, and even multimedia apps, making it a versatile package manager.
How do I update installed tools via Homebrew?
To update all the installed tools, simply run:
bashCopy codebrew update && brew upgrade && brew cleanup
This ensures that all your packages are up-to-date and any unnecessary files are cleaned up.
Is there any difference between Brew and Brew Cask?
Yes, brew is used for installing command-line tools, while brew cask is specifically for installing macOS graphical applications. Both commands make it easier to manage software on macOS.
How do I uninstall a tool installed via Homebrew?
To uninstall a tool, use the command:
bashCopy codebrew uninstall <tool_name>
For graphical applications installed via brew cask, use:
bashCopy codebrew uninstall --cask <app_name>
Can I install specific versions of software using Homebrew?
Yes, Homebrew allows you to install specific versions of tools by tapping into formulae versions. Use commands like brew install <tool>@<version> to install older versions if required for your project.
