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The zbx command (alias for zb run) allows you to execute a package without creating permanent symlinks in your $PATH. This is useful for trying packages, running one-off commands, or avoiding conflicts with existing installations.

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Usage

zbx <formula> [args...]
Or using the full command: 
zb run <formula> [args...]

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How It Works

  1. Check Installation: If the package is already installed, use it directly
  2. Temporary Install: If not installed, install it temporarily (without linking)
  3. Execute: Run the package’s main executable with the provided arguments
  4. Environment Setup: Automatically configures SSL certificates and library paths
The package remains available for future zbx calls but isn’t added to your $PATH.

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Arguments

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formula
string
required
Name of the Homebrew formula to run
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args
string...
Arguments to pass to the executable (supports flags with hyphens)

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Examples

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Run a Command Without Installing

Try jq without adding it to your system: 
zbx jq --version
Output: 
==> Installing jq temporarily...
==> Executing jq...
jq-1.7.1

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Use a Package for a Single Task

Process JSON data without permanent installation: 
echo '{"name": "zerobrew"}' | zbx jq .name
Output: 
"zerobrew"

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Pass Complex Arguments

All arguments after the formula name are forwarded: 
zbx wget --help
zbx git clone https://github.com/example/repo.git
zbx ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v libx264 output.mp4

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Avoid Conflicts with Existing Tools

Use zerobrew’s version without affecting system installations: 
# Use system git normally
git --version

# Use zerobrew's git for a specific operation
zbx git --version

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Comparison with Install

Aspectzb installzbx / zb run
Symlinks to PATH✅ Yes❌ No
Permanent✅ Yes✅ Yes (but not linked)
Multiple packages✅ Yes❌ One at a time
Use caseRegular toolsOne-off commands

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Environment Configuration

When running a package, zbx automatically sets:

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SSL/TLS Certificates

CURL_CA_BUNDLE="$ZEROBREW_PREFIX/opt/ca-certificates/share/ca-certificates/cacert.pem"
SSL_CERT_FILE="$ZEROBREW_PREFIX/opt/ca-certificates/share/ca-certificates/cacert.pem"
SSL_CERT_DIR="$ZEROBREW_PREFIX/etc/ca-certificates"

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Library Path (Linux)

LD_LIBRARY_PATH="$ZEROBREW_PREFIX/lib:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH"
This ensures packages can find their dependencies without linking.

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Use Cases

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Try Before You Install

Test a package before committing to installation: 
zbx ripgrep --help
# If you like it:
zb install ripgrep

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Run Development Tools

Use build tools without cluttering your PATH: 
zbx cmake --version
zbx ninja --version

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Scripting with Temporary Dependencies

Use packages in scripts without requiring pre-installation: 
#!/bin/bash
data=$(zbx jq -r '.version' package.json)
echo "Version: $data"

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Resolve Version Conflicts

Run different package versions without interfering: 
# Use system python
python --version

# Use zerobrew's python for specific task
zbx python --version

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Installation Behavior

When you run a package:
  • First time: Package is installed to the Cellar but not linked
  • Subsequent runs: Existing installation is reused immediately
  • Manual installation: If you later run zb install <formula>, it will link the existing package
# First run - installs
zbx jq --version
# ==> Installing jq temporarily...

# Second run - reuses
zbx jq --version
# ==> Running jq...

# Link it permanently
zb install jq
# Uses existing installation, just creates symlinks

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Error Handling

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Formula Not Found

Error: Formula 'nonexistent' not found in homebrew-core

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Executable Missing

Error: executable 'formula-name' not found in package 'formula-name'
Some packages install executables with different names than the formula. Use zb info <formula> to see what’s included.

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Permission Denied

If the package requires initialization: 
Note: Zerobrew needs to be initialized first.
Initialize now? [Y/n]
Run zb init first or use --auto-init: 
zb --auto-init run jq --version

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