Environment Setup
Install Homebrew
Homebrew is a package manager for macOS that makes it easy to install developer tools. You will use it to install Node.js and Git.
What is Homebrew?
Homebrew is a free tool that lets you install software from the Terminal with a single command. Instead of going to a website, downloading an installer, and clicking through a setup wizard, you just type brew install <name> and Homebrew handles the rest.
Think of it like an app store for developer tools, but accessed through the Terminal.
Check if Homebrew is already installed
Some Macs already have Homebrew installed. Let's check first:
brew --version
If you see a version number (like Homebrew 4.x.x), you already have Homebrew and can skip to the next page.
If you see command not found: brew, continue with the installation below.
Install Homebrew
Copy and paste this entire command into your Terminal, then press Enter:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
You will be asked for your password
During installation, Terminal will ask for your Mac's password (the one you use to log in). When you type your password, nothing will appear on screen — no dots, no asterisks, nothing. This is normal. Just type your password and press Enter.
The installation will take a few minutes. You will see a lot of text scrolling by — that's normal. Wait until you see the command prompt (%) appear again.
Important: Add Homebrew to your PATH (Apple Silicon Macs)
If you have a Mac with an Apple Silicon chip (M1, M2, M3, or M4), Homebrew installs to a different location and you need to tell your Terminal where to find it. Run these two commands:
echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"
Not sure which chip you have?
Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen, then click About This Mac. If it says "Apple M1" (or M2, M3, M4), you have Apple Silicon. If it says "Intel," you can skip this step.
Verify the installation
Run this command to confirm Homebrew is working:
brew --version
You should see something like:
Homebrew 4.4.x
If you see a version number, Homebrew is installed and you are ready to continue.