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So, what is the difference between brew and brew cask?

I know that homebrew is a package management software. But what kind of software can I get there? Is it open source software and commercial software?

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brew is the core command for the Homebrew project.

The missing package manager for OS X

Homebrew installs the stuff you need that Apple didn’t.

Homebrew typically deals with command line software. Most of the software is distributed under an open source licence. See the Formulas for a list of available installs.


brew cask is an extension to brew that allows management of graphical applications through the Cask project.


Cask deals with a mixture of software and licences. The software I work on is covered by a commercial licence and available via cask.

Cask offers a way to command line manage the installation of graphical applications.


Availability through brew or cask does not imply any specific licence.

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Is it possible that same program can be available o install from both brew and brew cask? –  Metal Gear Oct 26 at 16:20
Ideally duplication between brew and brew cask should be avoided. Graphical applications are suited to brew cask with everything else going through brew. –  Graham Miln Oct 27 at 6:52
macvim is available on both. There's even a warning about it in the cask package -- and yet they keep it available. I'm confused why cask exists. –  Isaac Nov 18 at 3:39
@Isaac consider opening an issue report to clarify the decision and maybe prompt the removal of one edition. –  Graham Miln Nov 18 at 5:56

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