Who need Homebrew?

[rmger]

Hello,
I'm trying to understand who needs Homebrew and why.
Why should I use Homebrew if I can download the app from an official website? Can somebody explain to me why everyone uses it? It's just hype or is it really convenient in some moments?
I just can't figure out how Homebrew can help me.
Thx!

 

[maflynn]

Why should I use Homebrew

Do you want to use unix packages? Its not macOS apps, its unix apps AFAIK

 

[rmger]

Do you want to use unix packages? Its not macOS apps, its unix apps AFAIK

No, applications that I need I can find on App Store or the official app sites (.dmg file).
But I've seen people install with Homebrew Firefox, Skype and etc.
And I don't understand why they're doing this via Homebrew.

 

[belvdr]

No, applications that I need I can find on App Store or the official app sites (.dmg file).
But I've seen people install with Homebrew Firefox, Skype and etc.
And I don't understand why they're doing this via Homebrew.

It could be specific features or limitations in the macOS app or they want a particular version. I can't think of any other reason myself for those apps.

I use MacPorts so I can have some utilities in the terminal.

 

[maflynn]

And I don't understand why they're doing this via Homebrew.

Personal preference? More control over the system? Who knows. Different strokes for different folks

 

[StellarVixen]

Because command line is sometimes easier than roaming around the internet to find what you want.

 

[Crash0veride]

Mostly for unix framework addons / open source compiling. It's a common standard that keeps things consistent across third parties, it's free from App Store limitations, and you can compile builds outside of release schedules (Mojave/beta handy).

 

[Brian33]

IMHO it's not primarily for graphical Apps -- it's more for command-line (Terminal) programs like ffmpeg, rsync, iperf3, media-info, smartmontools (to name a few I've got installed).

Many of these programs share libraries of code. Brew is amazing at keeping all dependencies satisfied and up to date and organized. Also, some of these have various options that can be compiled into (or out of) the program; brew lets you easily compile the program with the options you want. And for developer types, you can download the source code and modify it to your heart's content.

If you're not using the command line (Terminal.app) you probably have no real use for brew.