How to install Homebrew on Ubuntu 24.04

Install Brew

The official setup script provides the fastest path for getting Homebrew running on Ubuntu 24.04. Copy and paste one command into your terminal. This script handles downloading ⬇️ and setting up Homebrew, making the process quick.

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

When prompted during the script, hit Enter to install Homebrew to your home directory on Ubuntu.

Finishing the installation script requires executing several commands in the terminal.

These commands establish Homebrew on Ubuntu and configure the system environment. Use the first command to establish Homebrew in the `.bashrc` profile, replacing ‘richard‘ with the actual username.

Running the command `eval "$(/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew/bin/brew shellenv)"` sets up Homebrew in the `.bashrc` profile file. This command ensures Homebrew is ready to use every time a new terminal opens. Replacing 'richard' with the correct username in all file paths is necessary.

Run this command in the terminal to add Homebrew to the PATH environment variable (settings that tell the system how to locate executable programs).

(echo; echo 'eval "$(/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew/bin/brew shellenv)"') >> /home/richard/.bashrc

Verifying the version number confirms a successful installation. Check Homebrew's version by running the `/home/linuxbrew/.linuxbrew/bin/brew --version` command in the terminal. This command displays the exact version installed, for example, Homebrew 4.2.2.

brew --version

Run the brew doctor utility to ensure proper system configuration.

brew doctor

Before proceeding with the Git method, ensure Homebrew's dependencies are installed when `sudo` access is available:

Installing Homebrew on Ubuntu can happen by using source code directly from Git. This process involves downloading the Homebrew Git repository to the computer. Configuring the system afterward ensures the command-line interface recognizes Homebrew commands.

Download the Homebrew Git repository to the Ubuntu machine by running the command below.

git clone https://github.com/Homebrew/brew homebrew

Then, run the command below to add Homebrew into the system’s command-line environment.

eval "$(homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"

Check the installed Homebrew version by running the command below.

brew --version

Homebrew on Ubuntu 24.04 streamlines software management. Installing new programs requires a single command. Updating or removing installed programs follows the same efficient pattern. This approach handles system software quickly and effectively.

brew install package_name

For example, to install the GCC package, run the command below.

brew install gcc

Replace install with upgrade to upgrade a package.

brew upgrade gcc

To uninstall a package, use the uninstall option with a command similar to the one below.

brew uninstall gcc

How to Remove Homebrew

Removing Homebrew from an Ubuntu machine requires executing a dedicated uninstall script. Download the script and run it in the terminal. The script then handles removing Homebrew and cleaning up related files from the system.

curl -fsSL -o uninstall.sh https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/uninstall.sh

Then, execute the script by running the command below.

bash uninstall.sh

When prompted, enter y for yes.

Removing the relevant line from the `.bashrc` file is also necessary.

sudo nano .bashrc

Finally, delete the Homebrew folder.

sudo rm -rf homebrew

Configuration cleanup is complete.

Conclusion:

Installing Homebrew on Ubuntu significantly enhances the development experience. Review these key points for reference:

• User-Friendly: Homebrew simplifies package management and offers a consistent user experience across macOS and Linux.
• Installing software in your home directory prevents conflicts with system-managed packages.
• Up-to-date Software: Access newer software versions that may not be available through the default Ubuntu package manager.
• Flexible Installation: Provides multiple methods of installation (curl or Git) to suit your preference.
• Simple Package Commands: Easily install, upgrade, and uninstall packages with straightforward commands.
• Easy Uninstallation: Homebrew comes with an uninstall script, making it simple to remove when needed.

Using Homebrew streamlines workflows and keeps the system organized while providing access to a broader range of software options.