libmagic ☆

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Description:
Implementation of the file(1) command

Type: Formula | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: System utilities

Tags: file-type-detection mime-types c-library utilities file-analysis

Install: brew install libmagic

About:
Libmagic is the core library behind the ubiquitous Unix `file` command, designed to identify file types by examining their contents rather than relying on file extensions. It utilizes a sophisticated database of magic numbers and patterns to accurately determine MIME types and file formats. This package provides the essential runtime components for applications requiring robust file type detection capabilities.

Key Features:

Identifies file types using magic numbers and file structure analysis
Provides detailed MIME type detection capabilities
Extensible magic database that can be customized
C library API for integration into other applications
Powers the standard Unix `file` command

Use Cases:

Building file upload validators that verify actual file content
Implementing asset management systems that need automatic file categorization
Developing security tools for analyzing unknown files
Creating cross-platform file analysis utilities

Alternatives:

TrID – Windows-focused alternative with binary definition files, less Unix-integrated
file command (BSD/GNU) – The command-line tool that uses libmagic; libmagic is the library version

Version History

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