lifelines ☆

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Description:
Text-based genealogy software

Type: Formula | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Other

Tags: genealogy cli history data-management text-based

Install: brew install lifelines

About:
Lifelines is a command-line genealogy program designed for managing and exploring family history data. It operates on a dedicated database backend, offering powerful scripting capabilities for complex queries and custom report generation. Its primary value is providing a robust, scriptable, and privacy-focused tool for serious genealogists who prefer a text-based interface.

Key Features:

Command-line interface for efficient data management
Powerful query language for searching and filtering records
Customizable report generation using report scripts
Portable and runs on multiple operating systems

Use Cases:

Managing large genealogy datasets efficiently
Performing complex queries on family relationships
Generating custom textual reports for genealogical research

Alternatives:

Gramps – Gramps offers a full GUI experience, whereas Lifelines is strictly command-line and script-driven.
Family Tree Maker – Family Tree Maker is a commercial GUI product focused on desktop publishing, while Lifelines prioritizes data structure and scripting.

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 16, 2025 7:05am		0	VERSION_BUMP	1cf76042
Sep 14, 2024 2:36pm		0	VERSION_BUMP	5641c415