Developers often prefer to use macOS for developments as it is based upon Unix. When Unix is powering up macOS, the developers are provided with a seamless experience. However, there are some drawbacks, which you need to be mindful of as well. For example, there is no package manager. In order to overcome those drawbacks, you will come across the need to start using Homebrew.
The role of a package manager is to provide the ability for the users to automate the overall process of upgrading, installing, configuring, and removing computer programs out of systems. In most of the instances, Mac users don’t need to worry about a package manager. They will not have to worry about the speed of installing applications on the workstations as well. However, they will come across the need to use it when they are working as the administrator of a school that has 500 different endpoints, and if there is no MDM in place. That’s where Homebrew will come into play.
It is possible to get Homebrew installed in the endpoints. Then you will be provided with the chance to install CLI tools. Here is a list of some of the most prominent Homebrew packages that are available for you to consider. You can go through this list of Homebrew packages and start using the best ones out of them to get the work done accordingly.
Htop
Htop is an interactive process viewer, system monitor, and process manager. If you have worked along with the Ubuntu server, you must be familiar with htop. It is also important to keep in mind that Mac comes only with top.
When you start using htop, you will be provided with a list of frequently updated processes that are running on the computer. This amount will usually be ordered by CPU usage. It has the ability to transform htop into a better standard when compared to top. On the other hand, the advanced GUI has the ability to make the overall browsing process simple and intuitive. It will be able to tell you about the number of cores and the load that they have. It can also provide you with the amount of memory that is being consumed as well.
Tldr
Tldr is a community-driven and simplified version of UNIX man pages. It has got the ability to cut out fat from the standard man pages as well as output commands. Hence, it is possible to end up with quality results while using tldr at all times. If you are new to coding, you will come across some challenges when you are trying to use tldr. However, it is worthy to get used to tldr because it can deliver lots of opportunities and capabilities. It is extremely helpful.
Jq
Jq is a flexible and lightweight JSON processor. This has a command-line interface. If you are a person who is addicted to using the command line, you are encouraged to go ahead and take a look at jq. It can provide a convenient experience when you are working along with APIs. You are provided with the freedom to use jq for map, filter, slice, and transformation of structured data. The best thing about jq is that it can provide all the support needed with parsing large API payloads.
Ncdu
Ncdu is a disc utility that is available for the Unix based systems. This is quite similar to the du utility. However, ncdu is providing a text-based interface. This interface is under the [n] curses programming library. It is possible for you to navigate through the list with the help of arrow keys. Likewise, you can easily delete files by pressing on the “d” button.
Taskwarrior
Taskwarrior is a cross-platform, open-source, task management tool. You will also be able to use it as a time management tool. In other words, it can be used as a TODO list, which is designed for the command line. It has the ability to maintain a list of tasks, which you will be able to manage through commands. Hence, you are provided with the ability to manipulate the tasks and organize them by project, date, and priority.
Tmux
Tmux is a terminal multiplexer that is available for the operating systems like Unix. You can think about calling it as Visual Studio Code, but which is designed specifically for CLI. It has the ability to deliver multiple terminal sessions. You will be able to access them simultaneously and get the work done within a single window. On the other hand, it can be useful when you are running over one command line program at a given time as well. The terminal can be customized with the help of command-line IDE with minimum hassle.
One of the benefits that you can find in tmux is that it can provide you with the ability to run all your command-line utilities within a single window. This will assist you to remain focused. There is no need to use any desktop applications. As you already know, using desktop applications can create a negative impact on your productivity. That’s where you can start using tmux. It can provide you with the chance to get work done when you have a requirement to SSH into another server. You can end the session without coming across the need to kill the process. On the other hand, tmux can provide assistance to you by running a command, starting a session, and exiting the server as well. It will also be able to provide the return without keeping the process intact.
Final words
Now you are aware of the top Homebrew packages that are available. Based on your requirement, you can determine what the most ideal package available for you to use is. Then you can start using it and experience all the benefits that will be sent on your way.