Homebrew --cask vs regular install

[semistandard]

Hey everyone. A relatively new mac user here.
I wanted to ask whether there is any difference between installing apps using homebrew with cask option or "regular" install - namely dragging the app to your download folder.
Homebrew is nice as it allows to do everything from command line, and the experience is very similar to Linux. However, I'd like to know whether there are any issues I am not aware of.

Also, I've noticed that downloading apps with homebrew seems to be very slow sometimes. Is it normal?

If there is a difference - what is the "preferred way" to do it?

Thanks.

 

[Fallinangel]

Homebrew is faster and more convenient and it allows you to batch update all the apps and command line tools that you've installed through it. It also keeps track of your installed stuff and allows batch re-installation on another computer that you for instance want to have the same apps on.
In terms of it being slow, can depend on many things, but it should be faster than going to some developer's website, downloading a DMG, waiting for it verify and mount, and dragging the application to the Applications folder.

I use it for about 95% of the apps that I've installed. The other 5% are either not featured on Homebrew or need some other shenanigans to get running.

 

[semistandard]

Does homebrew keep track updates that happen within app itself? For example, I’ve installed MacTex. Then the bundled tex editor and Tex live utility updated themself within the app. Is Homebrew “aware“ of this update? Or it still thinks that I have the old versions?

 

[Rimmsi]

If install application using homebrew and uninstall it by moving it to the trash, does Homebrew know that the application is deleted?

 

[Fallinangel]

Does homebrew keep track updates that happen within app itself? For example, I’ve installed MacTex. Then the bundled tex editor and Tex live utility updated themself within the app. Is Homebrew “aware“ of this update? Or it still thinks that I have the old versions?

This morning I updated Keka from within the app, and now when I run "brew update" and then "brew outdated" it doesn't show an update for Keka, so I guess it does.

If install application using homebrew and uninstall it by moving it to the trash, does Homebrew know that the application is deleted?

You should also uninstall them with Homebrew. Otherwise, it will detect that the app is missing when it's trying to update it, and prompt you to fix that manually.