> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/lucasgelfond/zerobrew/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# zb reset

> Reset zerobrew by removing all data and reinitializing

The `zb reset` command completely removes all zerobrew data directories and reinitializes a fresh installation.

<Warning>
  This is a destructive operation that will delete all installed packages, cached data, and store entries. This action cannot be undone.
</Warning>

## Usage

```bash theme={null}
zb reset [OPTIONS]
```

## Options

<ParamField path="--yes" type="flag">
  Skip the confirmation prompt and proceed with reset immediately. Use with caution.
</ParamField>

<ParamField path="-y" type="flag">
  Short form of `--yes`.
</ParamField>

## Description

The reset command performs a complete cleanup and reinitialization of zerobrew:

1. Removes all content from `ZEROBREW_ROOT` directory (store, cache, metadata)
2. Removes all content from `ZEROBREW_PREFIX` directory (symlinks, binaries)
3. Reinitializes the directory structure
4. Leaves you with a clean installation ready for fresh package installs

<Note>
  If the directories don't exist, the command will report "Nothing to reset" and exit successfully.
</Note>

## Permission Handling

The reset command intelligently handles permission issues:

* First attempts to remove directory contents without elevated privileges
* If permission denied and running interactively, falls back to `sudo rm -rf`
* If permission denied in non-interactive mode, exits with an error
* Does not require sudo to recreate the directory structure after cleanup

## Interactive Mode (Default)

By default, the command prompts for confirmation before proceeding:

```bash theme={null}
zb reset
```

You'll see:

```
Warning: This will delete all zerobrew data at:
      • /Users/username/.zerobrew
      • /Users/username/.zerobrew-prefix
Continue? [y/N]
```

Type `y` and press Enter to proceed, or `n` (or anything else) to abort.

## Non-Interactive Mode

For scripts or automation, use the `--yes` flag to skip the confirmation:

```bash theme={null}
zb reset --yes
```

Or the short form:

```bash theme={null}
zb reset -y
```

<Warning>
  When using `--yes` or `-y`, the command proceeds immediately without any confirmation. Use this flag carefully, especially in scripts.
</Warning>

## Examples

Reset with confirmation prompt:

```bash theme={null}
zb reset
```

Reset without confirmation (use carefully):

```bash theme={null}
zb reset --yes
```

Reset in a shell script:

```bash theme={null}
#!/bin/bash
echo "Cleaning up zerobrew installation..."
zb reset -y
echo "Starting fresh installation..."
zb install node python git
```

## Output

During reset:

```
Warning: This will delete all zerobrew data at:
      • /Users/username/.zerobrew
      • /Users/username/.zerobrew-prefix
Continue? [y/N] y
==> Clearing /Users/username/.zerobrew...
==> Clearing /Users/username/.zerobrew-prefix...
==> Reset complete. Ready for cold install.
```

When directories don't exist:

```
Nothing to reset - directories do not exist.
```

## Use Cases

Reset zerobrew when you need to:

* Fix a corrupted installation
* Start completely fresh after testing
* Clear all packages and cached data
* Troubleshoot persistent issues
* Free up all disk space used by zerobrew

## What Gets Removed

The reset command removes:

* All installed packages
* Content-addressed store entries
* Formula cache and API cache
* Package metadata and lock files
* Binary symlinks in prefix directory
* Installation manifests

## What Gets Preserved

The reset command does NOT modify:

* Shell configuration files (e.g., `.bashrc`, `.zshrc`)
* PATH modifications made during `zb init`
* User files outside zerobrew directories

<Tip>
  After running `zb reset`, your shell PATH will still reference the zerobrew directories. You don't need to run `zb init` again - you can immediately start installing packages.
</Tip>

## Recovery

There is no built-in recovery mechanism for reset. If you need to preserve your package list:

```bash theme={null}
# Before reset, save your package list
zb list > my-packages.txt

# After reset, reinstall packages
zb install $(cat my-packages.txt)
```

Or use Brewfile with bundle:

```bash theme={null}
# Before reset
zb bundle dump

# After reset
zb bundle install
```

## Related Commands

* [zb init](/commands/init) - Initialize zerobrew (automatically run by reset)
* [zb gc](/commands/gc) - Remove unreferenced store entries without full reset
* [zb uninstall](/commands/uninstall) - Remove specific packages
* [zb bundle dump](/commands/bundle) - Save package list to Brewfile