# Brew Audit

> Audit Homebrew installation — outdated packages, cleanup opportunities, and health checks. Use when asked about brew updates, system maintenance, or package health on macOS.

- Skill: `modbender/brew-audit` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add modbender/brew-audit`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/modbender/brew-audit/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Security
- Author: modbender (https://skillmd.com/u/modbender)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/modbender/brew-audit

---


# Homebrew Audit Skill

Quickly audit your Homebrew installation for outdated packages, cleanup opportunities, and health issues.

## Usage

```bash
# Full audit (outdated + cleanup + doctor + summary)
bash scripts/brew-audit.sh

# Specific sections
bash scripts/brew-audit.sh --section outdated
bash scripts/brew-audit.sh --section cleanup
bash scripts/brew-audit.sh --section doctor

# JSON output (outdated only)
bash scripts/brew-audit.sh --json --section outdated
```

## What It Checks

### 📦 Outdated Packages
Lists all formulae and casks with newer versions available, with current → available version info.

### 🧹 Cleanup Opportunities
Shows how many old versions/downloads can be removed and estimated disk savings. Run `brew cleanup` to reclaim.

### 🩺 Health Check
Runs `brew doctor` to detect:
- Formulae with no source (orphaned kegs)
- Deprecated/disabled packages needing replacement
- Permission issues, broken symlinks, config problems

### 📊 Summary
Total formulae, casks, and Homebrew prefix.

## When to Use
- Periodic system maintenance (weekly/monthly)
- Before major upgrades
- When disk space is low
- After noticing build failures (doctor check)

## Updating Packages
After reviewing the audit:
```bash
brew upgrade              # upgrade all outdated
brew upgrade <formula>    # upgrade specific package
brew cleanup              # remove old versions
```