What is Homebrew?
Homebrew is a popular package manager originally developed for macOS, now fully compatible with Linux (often referred to as Linuxbrew). It simplifies the installation, management, and updating of open-source software on Unix-based systems. Homebrew installs packages into the user’s home directory by default, avoiding conflicts with system packages managed by APT.
On Ubuntu 24.04, Homebrew can be used alongside APT to install the latest versions of software, especially those that are newer than what’s available in official repositories or that are not included at all.
Key Features
- User-level package management: Installs packages under
~/.linuxbrewor/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew, with no need for root access - Wide library of packages: Thousands of formulae for tools, compilers, dev utilities, and libraries
- Custom formulas and taps: Developers can create or pull in third-party repositories
- No interference with system packages: Works independently from APT
- Cross-platform: Same command structure across Linux and macOS
Use Cases
- Installing cutting-edge versions of CLI tools (e.g.,
git,node,python) - Managing user-specific software in environments without root access
- Avoiding dependency conflicts with system-level packages
- Using Homebrew-exclusive tools or scripts not available in APT
- Running isolated developer environments alongside Ubuntu’s native stack
How Homebrew Works on Ubuntu
- Packages are built from source using Ruby-based “formulae”
- The core system is installed in a non-system path (e.g.,
/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew) - Installed binaries are symlinked into a user’s path via
eval "$(/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew/bin/brew shellenv)" - Updates and installations are handled via the
brewCLI tool
Advantages on Ubuntu 24.04
- LTS compatibility: Runs reliably on Ubuntu 24.04’s updated libraries and filesystem structure
- Safe testing and development: Avoids overwriting stable system binaries
- Modern tool access: Install versions newer than those in Ubuntu’s official or PPA repositories
- Easy setup for multiple users: Each user can have their own isolated Homebrew environment
Limitations
- Not all packages are available in Homebrew (some are macOS-specific)
- May use more disk space due to source builds and isolated paths
- Slower installation compared to APT (since many packages build from source)
- Might require environment setup (
.bashrc,.zshrc) for persistent usage
Homebrew vs APT
| Feature | Homebrew | APT (Advanced Package Tool) |
|---|---|---|
| Default Scope | Per-user (non-root) | System-wide (root required) |
| Package Versions | Often newer, source-built | Stable, curated versions |
| Dependency Handling | Compiles from source | Precompiled binaries |
| Speed | Slower (source build) | Faster (binary install) |
| Use Case | Dev tools, cutting-edge | System and core package management |
Security and Maintenance Tips
- Use only trusted taps and formulas
- Keep Homebrew and installed packages up to date using
brew updateandbrew upgrade - Regularly run
brew doctorto check for configuration issues - Uninstall unused formulae with
brew uninstallto free space
Homebrew on Ubuntu 24.04 is a powerful and flexible tool for developers, system administrators, and users who need custom, updated, or user-local software installations. It complements the APT system by offering more control over software versions and environments—without affecting the core OS packages.
Whether you’re managing multiple versions of programming languages, installing new CLI tools, or working in a restricted environment, Homebrew is a valuable addition to any Ubuntu 24.04 setup.
Step 1: Create a VPS on Shape.Host
Visit https://shape.host and log into your account.
Click Create, then choose Instance.
Select your preferred server location.
Pick Ubuntu 24.04 (64-bit) as the OS.
Choose a plan with at least 2 CPUs, 4 GB RAM, and 20 GB SSD.
Click Create Instance.
Once ready, copy the IP address listed under the Resources tab — you’ll use it for SSH access.
Step 2: Connect to Your Server
Linux/macOS:
ssh root@your_server_ip
Windows:
Use PuTTY and log in using your root credentials.
Step 3: Update Packages and Install Dependencies
apt update
apt install curl git
This updates the package list and installs essential tools curl and git required by the Homebrew installer.
Step 4: Create a New User for Homebrew
adduser brewuser
usermod -aG sudo brewuser
This creates a separate user named brewuser and adds them to the sudo group.
Step 5: Switch to the New User
su - brewuser
You’ll now operate as the new user, which is a best practice for installing user-space software like Homebrew.
Step 6: Install Homebrew
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
This runs the official Homebrew installation script from GitHub.
Step 7: Add Homebrew to Your Shell Environment
echo 'eval "$(/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc
This makes the brew command available in your shell by appending its path to your .bashrc file.
Step 8: Install GCC via Homebrew
brew install gcc
Installs the GNU Compiler Collection through Homebrew.
Step 9: Install System Build Tools
sudo apt install build-essential
Installs system-level build tools needed by many packages.
Step 10: Verify Homebrew Installation
brew --version
Checks the installed version of Homebrew to confirm it’s working.
Step 11: Run Brew Diagnostics
brew doctor
Analyzes your system for common issues and provides useful suggestions.
You’ve now successfully installed and configured Homebrew on Ubuntu 24.04, tested it with GCC, and confirmed your setup.
Spin up your dev environment using Homebrew, Node.js, Docker, and more with Shape.Host Linux SSD Vps:
- Instant deployment
- Root access with full control
- Fast and reliable SSD storage
➡️ Launch your server now at https://shape.host