How do I save and version brew packages?

Question

I am used to installing packages and libraries via tools like npm, pip, and gem. These tools allow me to track the installed packages in some form or another (package.json, requirements.txt, or a Gemfile). This can then be checked into a repo and versioned.

I have a dotfiles repo on Github that I like to use as way to version control my machine configuration and I was wondering if there was a way to version control installed brew packages? If so how is this done? Something like brew install --save is what I am hoping for. :)

Answer 1

You’re looking for Homebrew Bundle.

It lets you keep track of installed formulae (packages) in a Brewfile.

You can then dump all the installed formulae in it with brew bundle dump, install all formulae from a bundle with brew bundle, and remove all installed formulae that aren’t listed in the bundle with brew bundle cleanup.

The syntax is very similar to Bundler’s, so it’s easy to edit the file by yourself.

It support both local Brewfiles (e.g. one per project) and a global one (~/.Brewfile).

Install it with:

$ brew tap homebrew/bundle