ITG NowHome › AI glossary › Homebrew
What is Homebrew?
Short answer
Homebrew is a free tool for Mac and Linux that installs software using one short command.
- Category GitHub & code
- Also called brew install
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Homebrew, explained simply
Homebrew works like an app store you control by typing. You say brew install and a name.
It downloads the tool and puts it in the right place for you.
It saves you from hunting for downloads on different websites.
For example, a guide might tell you to run brew install to get a tool.
On ITG Now, our free tool guides use Homebrew commands on Mac when it is the easiest way to install a tool.
Related terms
Package managerTerminalCLILinuxpipnpm
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
- GuideMole: Free Mac Cleaner That Runs in Terminal (2026)
- GuideVorssaint Utils: Free Mac Utility App for Menu Bar (2026)
- GuidePureMac: Free CleanMyMac Alternative, No Subscription
- GuideThaw: Free Mac Menu Bar Manager, No Tracking (2026 Guide)
- GuideTolaria: A Free Offline Notes App You Fully Own (2026)
- GuideCompositor: Free Photoshop Alternative for Mac (2026 Guide)
Questions people ask about Homebrew
Is Homebrew free?
Yes. Homebrew is free and open source.
Does Homebrew work on Windows?
Not directly. Windows users can use WSL or other install tools instead.
Is Homebrew safe?
It is widely used and checks its packages. As always, only install things you trust.