install-nothing ☆

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Description:
Simulates installing things but doesn't actually install anything

Type: Formula | Tracked Since: Dec 17, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: simulation testing cli developer-tools devops

Install: brew install install-nothing

About:
Install-nothing is a command-line utility designed to simulate the installation process of software packages without performing any actual file system changes. It parses arguments and executes the typical workflow of a package manager, providing feedback as if the installation were successful. This tool is ideal for testing automation scripts, CI/CD pipelines, or learning package management workflows in a safe, non-destructive manner.

Key Features:

Simulates package installation workflows
Zero-impact on system files and dependencies
Compatible with standard CLI argument parsing
Provides realistic success/error output

Use Cases:

Testing Homebrew formulas and installation scripts without cluttering the system
Validating automation logic in CI/CD pipelines
Demonstrating package manager behavior for educational purposes

Alternatives:

echo – Install-nothing provides a more structured simulation of package manager output compared to a simple echo command.
mocking frameworks (e.g., Bats) – Offers a lightweight, standalone simulation rather than requiring a full test framework setup.

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Dec 17, 2025 8:05am		0	VERSION_BUMP	fe351c0c