zbx (zb run)

Run a package without linking it to your PATH

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.

Usage

zbx <formula> [args...]

Or using the full command:

zb run <formula> [args...]

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.

Arguments

formula · string · required

Name of the Homebrew formula to run

args · string...

Arguments to pass to the executable (supports flags with hyphens)

Examples

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

Use a Package for a Single Task

Process JSON data without permanent installation:

echo '{"name": "zerobrew"}' | zbx jq .name

Output:

"zerobrew"

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

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

Comparison with Install

Aspect	zb install	zbx / zb run
Symlinks to PATH	✅ Yes	❌ No
Permanent	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (but not linked)
Multiple packages	✅ Yes	❌ One at a time
Use case	Regular tools	One-off commands

Environment Configuration

When running a package, zbx automatically sets:

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"

Library Path (Linux)

LD_LIBRARY_PATH="$ZEROBREW_PREFIX/lib:$LD_LIBRARY_PATH"

This ensures packages can find their dependencies without linking.

Use Cases

Try Before You Install

Test a package before committing to installation:

zbx ripgrep --help
# If you like it:
zb install ripgrep

Run Development Tools

Use build tools without cluttering your PATH:

zbx cmake --version
zbx ninja --version

Scripting with Temporary Dependencies

Use packages in scripts without requiring pre-installation:

#!/bin/bash
data=$(zbx jq -r '.version' package.json)
echo "Version: $data"

Resolve Version Conflicts

Run different package versions without interfering:

# Use system python
python --version

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

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

Error Handling

Formula Not Found

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

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.

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

Related Commands

• zb install - Install and link packages permanently
• zb uninstall - Remove installed packages
• zb info - View package information