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RuleRoster

Source-backed platform rule

Homebrew supported formula version count limit

Homebrew states a five-version support ceiling including the main formula, subject to a popularity qualifier that is exemplified rather than guaranteed.

RuleRoster is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Homebrew.

Direct answer

What is the rule?

Homebrew supports no more than five versions of a formula in `homebrew/core` at one time, including the main formula, unless they are popular. More than 1,000 installs over 90 days is an example, not a guaranteed entitlement; removals are intended to consider usage and support status rather than age.

Scope
Homebrew tap, Brewfile, and formula-version rules
Human verified
August 14, 2026
Source checked
September 3, 2026

Published evidence

Rule details

Supported formula versions

Homebrew supports at most five formula versions in `homebrew/core`, including the main formula, unless they are popular. More than 1,000 installs over 90 days is an example, not a guaranteed entitlement. Removal is intended to consider usage and support status rather than age.

Applicability

Service: Homebrew. Rule group: formula-version-policy. Scope is limited to this exact topic and its source-stated qualifiers.

Evidence trail

Official sources

Attribution and license

Homebrew documentation by Homebrew contributors, Copyright (c) 2009-present, Homebrew contributors. Source: https://github.com/Homebrew/brew/tree/f3c503e358abf72bc5868869b5f92e90ff0bfc4d. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Modified by RuleRoster: RuleRoster extracted and restructured facts into typed rule fields and concise answers. Verified 2026-08-14. No endorsement by Homebrew is implied. The Creative Commons license does not license trademark or patent rights.

Interpretation and accountability

Before you act

  1. Confirm that the scope matches your case.
  2. Keep recommendations, enforced limits, exceptions, and unstated details distinct.
  3. Open the official source before relying on the rule for a consequential decision.

Record dates

Published
August 15, 2026
Human verified
August 14, 2026
Source checked
September 3, 2026
Review due
September 10, 2026

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