Homebrew Services: How to Use, How It Works, and Alternatives

Why is Brew needed in macOS?

Homebrew, or simply Brew, is an indispensable tool for macOS users who want to manage their system software quickly, easily, and without unnecessary hassle.

In the world of Unix-like systems, there are many ways to install programs and libraries, but on macOS, this task often turns into searching for solutions online, manually downloading files, and moving applications to the “Applications” folder. Brew simplifies this entire process, turning it into a single command in the terminal.

One of the key reasons Brew has become so popular is its versatility. It allows you to install virtually anything: from system libraries and utilities to full-fledged applications and server solutions. Want to set up PostgreSQL, Redis, or any other development service? Brew will handle it for you, saving you from having to deal with the specifics of macOS. It downloads the necessary dependencies, configures them, and prepares everything for launch, leaving you to enjoy the results.

In addition, Brew takes care of version management. You no longer need to worry about a program breaking due to version conflicts or outdated dependencies. Everything is under control: updates, installations, even removals — all done with a single command. This is especially important for developers, as the stability of the work environment directly impacts productivity.

Another important aspect of Brew is how it aligns with the philosophy of macOS. Brew is unobtrusive and doesn’t try to “take over” the system like some package managers do. It works in its own environment, carefully recording the installed components and settings. This approach makes Brew a suitable tool for both beginners who are just starting to explore the world of the command line and experienced users who need precise control over their system.

Structure and Commands of Brew

Its structure is based on simplicity: all functionality revolves around a single brew command, which offers many options for installing, updating, uninstalling, and managing programs, libraries, and services.

Homebrew is designed as a minimalist yet powerful tool for managing software on macOS. Its structure is based on simplicity: all functionality revolves around a single brew command, which offers many options for installing, updating, uninstalling, and managing programs, libraries, and services. Despite its outward simplicity, under the hood, Brew hides a sophisticated and well-thought-out system that makes it so efficient.

Brew’s structure is based on the concepts of “formulae” and “casks.” Formulae are text files that describe how to install specific software. They include information about versions, dependencies, and build parameters. Brew stores these formulae in its repository, which can be updated with the brew update command. Casks, on the other hand, are designed for installing graphical applications and packages that are typically distributed as DMG files or PKG installers. This way, Brew covers both command-line utilities and familiar macOS applications.

Managing software with Brew begins with basic commands. For example, programs can be installed using brew install, and to uninstall them, you use brew uninstall. These commands are intuitive and resemble what you might encounter in other package managers like APT or Yum. Additionally, Brew allows searching for programs with the brew search command and listing already installed packages with brew list.

Another important aspect of Brew is dependency management. When you install a program, Brew automatically finds and installs all the required libraries, ensuring there are no conflicts. If you need to update everything at once, the brew upgrade command will handle it for you. This is an indispensable feature for developers as it helps maintain a stable environment.

An interesting feature of Brew is the ability to check the system for problems or conflicts using the brew doctor command. It analyzes the state of packages, dependencies, and the manager itself, offering recommendations for resolving issues. This is a handy tool, especially if you frequently install and remove a large number of programs.

Differences between formulae and casks

Formulae and casks are two key concepts in Homebrew, each designed to manage different types of software.

Formulae and casks are two key concepts in Homebrew, each designed to manage different types of software. While they may seem to serve similar purposes at first glance, there are significant differences between them that make Homebrew such a versatile tool.

Formulae are text descriptions of packages

Formulae are text descriptions of packages that allow you to install command-line utilities, libraries, and other tools that operate from the terminal. Formulae are ideal for managing development tools like Git, Node.js, or Python, as well as various system libraries. Brew automatically resolves dependencies between formulae, enabling you to install programs without having to manually download and configure everything they need to function. Formulae are distributed either as source code, which Brew compiles and assembles locally, or as ready-made binary files.

Casks are intended for installing graphical macOS applications and packages.

Casks, on the other hand, are intended for installing graphical macOS applications and packages. This can include anything from browsers like Google Chrome to design tools like Figma or music applications like Spotify. Casks handle prebuilt installers (e.g., DMG or PKG files), downloading them from official websites and installing them on your system. This makes the process of installing applications as simple as using the App Store, but with more flexibility.

The main difference between formulae and casks is their scope of application.

The main difference between formulae and casks is their scope of application. Formulae cater to terminal-based tasks and development environments, whereas casks are designed for graphical applications. This division allows Homebrew users to work efficiently in various scenarios: you can simultaneously set up the server-side environment of an application using formulae and install a client-side program through casks.

Formulae support updates via the brew upgrade command, whereas casks usually require reinstallation when a new version is released.

Another distinction is the way these types of packages are managed. Formulae support updates via the brew upgrade command, whereas casks usually require reinstallation when a new version is released. However, this doesn’t make casks any less useful — they still save you from the hassle of manually searching for and installing applications.

What are services in the context of Brew

Services in the context of Brew are a convenient mechanism for managing background processes that run on the system as daemons.

Services in the context of Brew are a convenient mechanism for managing background processes that run on the system as daemons. For instance, if you use a database server like PostgreSQL or a caching system like Redis, starting them on macOS may require manual configuration and interaction with the system process manager. Brew takes care of this routine, simplifying the process to just a few simple commands.

Under the hood, Brew uses launchd

Under the hood, Brew uses launchd, macOS’s system process manager, which handles daemons and services. When you run the brew services start command, Brew creates and registers a special plist (Property List) file that describes how and when the process should start. This allows the service to automatically start when the system boots, which is especially convenient for developers who want their tools to always be ready to use.

The main advantage of using Brew to manage services is consistency. Regardless of the service you’re running, the management interface remains the same. You can easily stop, restart, or remove a service without delving into the intricacies of macOS’s internals. This approach makes working with background processes straightforward and accessible even to those who aren’t deeply familiar with Unix systems.

Additionally, Brew services are excellent for isolating development environments. For example, if you need to test different versions of the same service, Brew can help set everything up without conflicts. This simplifies the lives of those working with microservices, web applications, or simply exploring new technologies.

Supported services and their capabilities

Among the most popular services are databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL, caching systems such as Redis and Memcached, web servers like Nginx and Apache, as well as development and testing tools such as Elasticsearch or RabbitMQ. These services cover virtually all aspects of modern development — from local data storage to networking solutions.

The capabilities of services managed through Brew are quite extensive. It allows not only installing and running these services but also configuring them for specific tasks. For instance, you can start PostgreSQL, set it up for automatic startup when the system boots, and immediately connect to the database to execute queries. Redis, on the other hand, can be launched as a local cache for web applications, which is particularly useful for developing high-load systems.

One of Brew’s strong points is the simplicity of managing these services. With the brew services command, you can instantly start, stop, or restart any supported service. For example, if you need to temporarily disable MySQL or test a new Nginx configuration, you can do it in just seconds. This flexibility saves time and allows you to focus on development rather than manually setting up the environment.

In addition to standard features, some services provide advanced functionality, such as creating clusters, managing multiple versions, or integrating with other tools. For instance, Elasticsearch can be used to build complex search systems, while RabbitMQ allows setting up message queues for distributed applications. Brew simplifies access to all these features, providing a convenient interface for their installation and management.

Managing services through Brew

Main commands: brew services start, stop, restart, list

These commands are intuitive and allow you to start, stop, restart, and monitor the status of services without having to manually deal with macOS system files.

Working with services in Homebrew revolves around several basic commands that provide convenient management of background processes. These commands are intuitive and allow you to start, stop, restart, and monitor the status of services without having to manually deal with macOS system files.

The command brew services start is used to start a service. For example, if you need to enable PostgreSQL or Redis, simply run this command with the service name, and it will be started and, if necessary, added to startup automatically. This is especially convenient for developers who want to set up their work environment once and not worry about the service failing to start after restarting the computer. Additionally, Homebrew automatically creates all the necessary system files and registers the service in the system, saving you from routine work.

If you need to temporarily disable a service, you can use the brew services stop command. It completely stops the process and removes it from startup, which is useful if, for example, you’re testing different versions of a program or simply want to free up system resources. To restart the service, simply use the start command again, making the management process flexible and convenient.

The command brew services restart combines the functionality of the previous two. It stops and immediately starts the service again, which is useful when modifying configuration files or updating the program. For example, if you change the working parameters of Nginx or update MySQL, restarting with restart ensures that the changes take effect. This saves time and simplifies testing.

Finally, the brew services list command allows you to see the current status of all services managed through Brew. It displays information about which services are running, which are stopped, and their mode of operation (local or for all users). This is an excellent tool for quickly auditing your environment, especially if you’re working with multiple services simultaneously.

Checking the status of a service

The main command for checking the status is brew services list. It displays a list of all services managed through Homebrew and their current status. In the “Status” column, you can see whether a service is running or stopped. This is useful if you are working with multiple services simultaneously and want to ensure that the necessary processes are active. The command also indicates whether a service is registered for auto-start, simplifying the management of background processes.

In addition to the brew services list command, there may be instances where you need to delve deeper into the details of a specific service. For this, you can use macOS system tools such as ps or launchctl. For example, if Redis or PostgreSQL fails to start through Brew, you can check for their processes in the system or examine their log files. Logs often provide clues about what went wrong: issues with permissions, configurations, or ports.

Another way to check the status is to test the service itself. For instance, if it’s a database, you can connect to it using a client and execute a few queries. This not only confirms that the service is running but also that it’s functioning correctly. Similarly, for web servers like Nginx, you can open a local address in a browser and check whether the server returns the expected response.

Regularly checking the status of services is particularly important for those who actively use local infrastructure in development. Homebrew simplifies this process by providing basic monitoring tools but does not limit you from using more detailed system methods. This makes working with services reliable and predictable, which is especially valuable in scenarios where the stability of the environment is critical.

How do Brew services work ‘under the hood’?

Daemons in macOS: launchd and plist files

In macOS, the management of background processes and services is organized using a system of daemons implemented through launchd. This tool was introduced by Apple in 2005 with the release of Mac OS X Tiger, replacing several outdated process management systems such as init, cron, and xinetd. The primary goal of launchd is to unify daemon and service management into a single simplified system that integrates better with macOS and delivers higher performance.

Daemons in macOS are background processes launched by the system to perform various tasks: from time synchronization to running servers and local applications. launchd takes over the management of these processes, ensuring their automatic startup when the system boots, restarting them in case of failure, and providing convenient control through a unified interface. This structure makes macOS particularly stable and predictable, which is essential for both users and developers.

A key role in the operation of launchd is played by so-called plist files (Property Lists). These are XML documents containing configurations for each daemon or service. They specify parameters such as the path to the executable file, conditions for launch (e.g., at system startup or when a specific port is accessed), as well as dependencies and environment variables. These files are stored in system directories like /Library/LaunchDaemons or /Library/LaunchAgents, as well as in user-specific folders like ~/Library/LaunchAgents for processes launched under a particular user.

Interaction with launchd is carried out through the launchctl command, which allows loading, unloading, restarting, and checking the status of daemons. However, for most users and developers, this process can seem too complex. This is why tools like Homebrew provide a more user-friendly interface for working with daemons, automatically creating and managing plist files.

From Homebrew’s perspective, launchd and plist files form the foundation for the brew services functionality. When you run a command like brew services start, Homebrew generates a plist file for the corresponding process and registers it with launchd. This enables automatic management of background services without delving into configuration details.

The launchd daemon system and its integration with plist files represent a powerful tool that ensures flexibility and ease of service management in macOS. This approach combines user-friendliness with a high degree of control, making macOS one of the most convenient platforms for working with background processes.

Using Docker instead of Brew for services

Using Docker instead of Homebrew for managing services represents two different approaches, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the user’s tasks. Brew focuses on simplicity and integration with macOS, offering native services that are easy to install and manage. Docker, on the other hand, emphasizes containerization, isolation, and environment reproducibility, making it particularly attractive for complex and multi-component systems.

When you use Brew to manage services like PostgreSQL, Redis, or Elasticsearch, they are installed directly on the macOS system. This means you get high performance thanks to direct access to system resources without an intermediary virtualization layer. However, this approach has its drawbacks: changes made by one service can affect others. For instance, updating a database version through Brew may break compatibility with existing projects that rely on an older version.

Docker, by contrast, isolates each service in a container, avoiding such conflicts. Every application or database runs in its own environment, with a precisely defined version and set of dependencies. This makes Docker an ideal choice for development and testing, where reproducibility is critical. You can configure and run different versions of the same service simultaneously without fear of conflicts. However, isolation comes at a cost: Docker is slightly more complex to set up and consumes more system resources than native services via Brew.

Another area where Docker excels over Brew is compatibility. Containers created in Docker behave identically on any platform, whether macOS, Windows, or Linux. This is particularly important for teams where developers work on different operating systems. In contrast, Brew is tailored exclusively for macOS, and transferring a configured environment to another system becomes significantly more challenging.

That said, Docker also has its limitations. For instance, services that need to be deeply integrated with macOS, such as monitoring tools or system daemons, may find Docker overly complex or even unsuitable. Brew, in such cases, provides a more native and straightforward solution that does not require extensive configuration.

The choice between Brew and Docker depends on your goals. If you need to quickly deploy services for local development with minimal setup, Brew might be the perfect option. However, if you’re working on complex applications requiring isolation and reproducibility, Docker becomes a more powerful tool. Ideally, both approaches can be used simultaneously, selecting the one that best fits the specific task.

Tools for monitoring services

Monitoring services is an essential part of managing local infrastructure, especially if you rely on multiple processes running simultaneously.

Whether you use Homebrew or other tools for service management, the ability to monitor their status, performance, and possible errors helps prevent unexpected failures and simplifies problem diagnosis.

For macOS users, built-in system utilities like Activity Monitor and the Console logs are the first tools to turn to.

Activity Monitor allows real-time tracking of resource usage by each process, including services launched through Brew. This is useful for identifying services consuming excessive memory or CPU time and understanding their impact on overall system performance.

brew services list

For more detailed analysis, you can use the brew services list command, which provides basic information about the status of services managed by Homebrew. However, its capabilities are limited. If deeper monitoring is required, macOS system tools like launchctl can be utilized. These tools not only check the status of services but also provide information about the reasons for their stoppage or malfunction. Logs available through the built-in Console app or commands like log show and log stream allow you to examine the detailed history of daemons’ activity and their interactions with the system.

For more complex monitoring and diagnostic tasks on a local machine, third-party tools like htop or glances are popular choices.

For more complex monitoring and diagnostic tasks on a local machine, third-party tools like htop or glances are popular choices. These applications offer user-friendly interfaces for analyzing processes and system resources. They help you understand how services interact with each other and the operating system. For example, you can use htop to view active processes in real time and filter them by service name or resource usage.

If your services perform critical tasks, you can integrate specialized monitoring solutions such as Prometheus or Zabbix, even for local development. These tools allow you to collect performance metrics, configure alerts, and visualize data. Although they are more commonly used for servers and cloud environments, they can be adapted for local needs.

Monitoring services is not just about tracking their status; it is also an opportunity for proactive problem management. Timely detection of increased load, memory leaks, or other anomalies helps minimize the risk of failures. Using the right tools makes this process convenient and transparent, enabling you to focus on solving tasks rather than dealing with the consequences of unexpected issues.