What does “brew –HEAD” mean

homebrew

I've seen it mentioned several times to fix issues with some packages, that it installs newer versions of packages somehow. But I've been unable to find a clear explanation of what that option really does, when to use it, why some packages have a –HEAD version to install and why its necessary.

Best Answer

I found some information in the Homebrew docs.

Quoting from under the "Advanced Formula Tricks" section:

Unstable versions (HEAD, devel)

Formulae can specify alternate downloads for the upstream project’s devel release (unstable but not trunk) or HEAD (master/trunk).

HEAD URLs (activated by passing --HEAD) build the development cutting edge.

Hopefully this helps with the what. I can't help with the why.