Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Homebrew on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to run a Linux environment directly on Windows. This guide will walk you through the process of installing and setting up Homebrew on WSL, making it easier to manage packages and applications. Whether you are a developer or a system administrator, this article is tailored for you to get started with Homebrew on WSL.

Why Use Homebrew on WSL?

Homebrew is a library for “easy install and upgrade” of software on macOS. While it was originally designed for macOS, Homebrew can be installed on WSL to manage packages and applications in a Linux environment running on Windows. Homebrew simplifies the packaging and distribution of software, allowing you to install and manage software in a consistent and reliable way.

Requirements

Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise (version 1607 or later) Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) installed and configured with Ubuntu ccess to the internet for downloading and updating packages

Install Homebrew on WSL

Open Ubuntu WSL App: Launch the Ubuntu app in WSL by searching for it in the Windows Start menu. Run Update Command: Before installing Homebrew, it's a good idea to update your system packages to ensure that your system is up to date and that you have the latest software versions. Run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update

Install Dependencies: To set up Homebrew, you need to install some dependencies. Run the following command to do so:

sudo apt install -y curl gcc

Install Homebrew: Now, you can install Homebrew by running the following command:

ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL )"

Add Homebrew to Your System PATH: For Homebrew to be recognized by your system, you need to add it to your PATH. You can do this by adding the following line to your ~ or ~/.zshrc file:

export PATH$PATH

Apply Changes: Save the changes in your ~ or ~/.zshrc file and apply the changes by running:

source ~

Verify Installation: To ensure that Homebrew is installed correctly, run the following command:

brew doctor

This command will check if everything is set up properly and display any potential issues.

Use Brew on WSL

Now that Homebrew is installed and set up, you can start using it to manage software packages on your WSL environment.

Install a Package: Use the brew install command followed by the name of the package you want to install. For example, to install Git, run: Update Packages: To ensure that you have the latest versions of your installed packages, use the brew upgrade command. Run:

brew install git

brew upgrade

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps required to install and configure Homebrew on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Once you have followed these steps, you can leverage Homebrew to manage your Linux environment in a seamless and efficient manner.