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Casks (Applications)

Casks allow you to install macOS applications and Linux desktop apps.


What are Casks?

Casks extend Stout to install:

  • macOS: DMG, PKG, and ZIP application bundles
  • Linux: AppImage, Flatpak, and other desktop applications

Unlike formulas (command-line tools), casks install GUI applications.


Basic Usage

Search for Applications

stout cask search firefox

Install an Application

stout cask install firefox

Or use the --cask flag with install:

stout install --cask firefox

List Installed Applications

stout cask list

Get Application Info

stout cask info visual-studio-code

Managing Applications

Uninstall

Remove an application:

stout cask uninstall firefox

Uninstall with Zap

Remove application and all associated files (preferences, caches, etc.):

stout cask uninstall --zap firefox

Warning

The --zap option removes user preferences and data. Use with caution.

Check for Updates

stout cask outdated

Upgrade Applications

Upgrade a specific application:

stout cask upgrade firefox

Upgrade all applications:

stout cask upgrade

Installation Locations

macOS

  • Applications: /Applications or ~/Applications
  • Binaries: Symlinked to /opt/homebrew/bin

Linux

  • AppImages: ~/.local/share/appimages
  • Binaries: Symlinked to ~/.local/bin

Common Casks

Browsers

stout cask install firefox
stout cask install google-chrome
stout cask install brave-browser

Development Tools

stout cask install visual-studio-code
stout cask install iterm2
stout cask install docker
stout cask install postman

Productivity

stout cask install slack
stout cask install notion
stout cask install 1password

Media

stout cask install vlc
stout cask install spotify
stout cask install obs

Cask Options

Force Reinstall

stout cask install --force firefox

Skip Quarantine (macOS)

By default, macOS quarantines downloaded applications. To skip:

stout cask install --no-quarantine some-app

Casks in Brewfiles

Include casks in your Brewfile:

# Brewfile

# Formulas (CLI tools)
brew "git"
brew "node"

# Casks (Applications)
cask "firefox"
cask "visual-studio-code"
cask "docker"

Install everything:

stout bundle install

Troubleshooting

Application won't open (macOS)

If macOS blocks the application:

  1. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy
  2. Click "Open Anyway" for the blocked application

Or remove quarantine attribute:

xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/SomeApp.app

Application not found after install

Check if the cask includes a binary:

stout cask info some-app

If it doesn't add to PATH, launch from Applications folder.

Cask conflicts with existing installation

Uninstall the existing version first, or use --force:

stout cask install --force some-app