Brew Interactive Install

gistfile1.txt

#!/bin/bash
#
# brew-interactive: Interactive Homebrew Package Management
#
# Install it as a brew package here: https://github.com/marijnbent/homebrew-interactive-install
#
# Description:
# This script provides an enhanced, interactive command-line interface for
# managing Homebrew packages (formulae and casks). It streamlines the common
# workflow of searching for a package, viewing its information, and then
# installing it. Instead of typing multiple `brew` commands, you can:
#
# 1. Search for packages using a fuzzy finder (`fzf`).
# 2. Instantly preview `brew info` for the highlighted package within `fzf`.
# 3. Select a package (press Enter) to directly install it.
# 4. After an install attempt, you are immediately presented with options to:
#    - Re-run the same search (refresh results).
#    - Start a new search for a different package.
#    - Quit the interactive session.
#
# This tool is ideal for users who frequently explore and install new
# Homebrew packages and prefer a more dynamic, keyboard-driven experience.
# It leverages `fzf` for its powerful fuzzy searching and preview capabilities.
#
# Keywords for search:
# brew, homebrew, fzf, interactive, search, install, package manager,
# formula, cask, tui, cli, fuzzy finder, brew search, brew info, brew install
#
# ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Installation and Setup:
# ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#
# 1. Prerequisites:
#    - Homebrew: Must be installed on your macOS or Linux system.
#      (See: https://brew.sh/)
#    - fzf (Fuzzy Finder): This script relies heavily on `fzf`.
#      Install it via Homebrew:
#        `brew install fzf`
#
# 2. Save the Script:
#    Copy the entire content of this script and save it to a file on your
#    system. For example, you could name it `brew-interactive.sh` or simply `brewi`.
#    A common location for personal scripts is `~/bin` or `~/.local/bin`.
#
#    Example:
#        `mkdir -p ~/bin` (if it doesn't exist)
#        `curl -o ~/bin/brewi https://gist.github.com/YOUR_GIST_URL/raw/brewi.sh`
#        (Replace `YOUR_GIST_URL` if you host it on a Gist)
#        OR
#        `nano ~/bin/brewi` (and paste the script content)
#
# 3. Make it Executable:
#    Navigate to the directory where you saved the script and make it executable:
#        `chmod +x ~/bin/brewi`
#
# 4. Add to PATH (Recommended):
#    If you saved the script to a directory like `~/bin` or `~/.local/bin`,
#    ensure this directory is in your system's `PATH` environment variable.
#    This allows you to run the script by simply typing its name from any
#    directory.
#
#    To check if `~/bin` is in your PATH:
#        `echo $PATH`
#
#    If it's not, add one of the following lines to your shell's configuration
#    file (e.g., `~/.bashrc`, `~/.zshrc`):
#
#    For bash:
#        `export PATH="$HOME/bin:$PATH"`
#    For zsh:
#        `export PATH="$HOME/bin:$PATH"` (or `path=($HOME/bin $path)`)
#
#    After editing the file, source it or open a new terminal window:
#        `source ~/.bashrc` or `source ~/.zshrc`
#
# 5. Create an Alias (Optional):
#    If you prefer a different command name or if the script is not in your
#    PATH, you can create an alias in your shell's configuration file.
#
#    Example alias in `~/.bashrc` or `~/.zshrc`:
#        `alias brewi='/path/to/your/script/brew-interactive.sh'`
#        (Replace `/path/to/your/script/` with the actual path)
#
#    Remember to source your shell config file after adding an alias.
#
# ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Usage:
# ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#
# Once installed and (optionally) in your PATH or aliased:
#
# - To start and be prompted for a search term:
#   `brewi`
#
# - To start with an initial search term:
#   `brewi <search_term>`
#   Example: `brewi httpie`
#
# Inside the script:
# - Use arrow keys (↑↓) to navigate the search results in `fzf`.
# - The right pane will show `brew info` for the highlighted package.
# - Press `Enter` on a package in the list to *directly install it*.
# - Press `Esc` in the `fzf` list to go back to the main options menu
#   (search again, new search, quit).
#
# ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

set -euo pipefail

if ! command -v fzf &> /dev/null; then
    echo "Error: fzf could not be found." >&2
    echo "Please install it first: brew install fzf" >&2
    exit 1
fi

if ! command -v brew &> /dev/null; then
    echo "Error: brew command could not be found." >&2
    echo "Please ensure Homebrew is installed and in your PATH." >&2
    exit 1
fi

main_interactive_loop() {
    local current_search_term="$1"
    local packages=""
    local selected_package=""

    while true; do
        if [ -z "$current_search_term" ]; then
            local new_search_input
            echo
            read -r -p "Enter Brew search term (or press Enter to quit): " new_search_input
            if [ -z "$new_search_input" ]; then
                echo "No search term provided. Quitting."
                return 0
            fi
            current_search_term="$new_search_input"
        fi

        echo
        echo "Searching for '$current_search_term'..."

        packages=$( (brew search --formulae "$current_search_term" 2>/dev/null; brew search --casks "$current_search_term" 2>/dev/null) |
                     grep -v '^==>' |
                     grep . |
                     sort -u )

        if [ -z "$packages" ]; then
            echo "No packages found matching '$current_search_term'."
            # No packages found. Proceed directly to the main options menu.
        else
            # Packages found. Enter the fzf loop for selection.
            # This loop runs once per selection (install) or if Esc is pressed in fzf.
            # After one selection/install, it breaks to the main menu.
            while true; do
                selected_package=$(echo "$packages" | fzf \
                    --prompt="Select ('$current_search_term' results | Enter: INSTALL | Esc: main menu): " \
                    --height="70%" \
                    --layout=reverse \
                    --border \
                    --preview-window='right:60%:wrap' \
                    --header "Search: '$current_search_term'. ↑↓ to navigate. Enter to INSTALL. Preview: 'brew info'." \
                    --preview="echo 'Loading info for {}...' && brew info {} 2>/dev/null || echo 'No detailed info or cask not tapped.'" \
                    --exit-0)

                if [ -z "$selected_package" ]; then
                    break
                fi

                echo
                echo "-----------------------------------------------------"
                echo "Attempting to install: $selected_package (from search '$current_search_term')"
                echo "-----------------------------------------------------"
                
                if brew install "$selected_package"; then
                    echo -e "\n'$selected_package' installed successfully!"
                else
                    echo -e "\nFailed to install '$selected_package'. It might already be installed or another issue occurred." >&2
                fi
                echo

                break
            done
        fi

        echo
        echo "What would you like to do next?"
        echo "1. Search again for '$current_search_term' (refresh results)"
        echo "2. Search for a new app"
        echo "3. Quit"

        local choice

        while true; do
            read -r -p "Enter your choice (1-3): " choice
            case "$choice" in
                1)
                   echo "Preparing to search again for '$current_search_term'..."
                   break
                   ;;
                2)
                   current_search_term=""
                   echo "Preparing to search for a new app..."
                   break
                   ;;
                3)
                   echo "Quitting."
                   return 0
                   ;;
                *) echo "Invalid choice. Please enter 1, 2, or 3." >&2 ;;
            esac
        done
    done
}

initial_search_term="${1-}"

main_interactive_loop "$initial_search_term"

exit 0

You can install it as a brew package here: https://github.com/marijnbent/homebrew-interactive-install