netatalk ☆
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Description:
File server for Macs, compliant with Apple Filing Protocol (AFP)
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Networking
Tags: networking file-sharing macos afp server backup
Install: brew install netatalk
About:
Netatalk is an open-source file server that implements the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP), enabling native file sharing for macOS clients. It allows Unix-like systems, such as Linux or BSD, to act as Time Machine backup destinations and serve files seamlessly to Macs over the network. This makes it an essential tool for integrating non-Apple hardware into a Mac-centric environment.
Key Features:
  • Full AFP 3.x protocol support for modern macOS versions
  • Time Machine support for network backups
  • Integration with LDAP and Active Directory for user authentication
  • Kernel-level file locking and UNIX permissions mapping
Use Cases:
  • Setting up a dedicated Time Machine backup server using a Linux or BSD machine
  • Providing legacy file sharing for older macOS systems that require AFP
  • Integrating Mac workstations into a Unix-based enterprise network
Alternatives:
  • Samba (SMB) – Samba is the standard for Windows file sharing but is natively supported by macOS; Netatalk is preferred for legacy AFP environments or specific feature sets.
  • Synology / QNAP NAS OS – Proprietary NAS operating systems include built-in AFP services, whereas Netatalk allows you to build a custom server on generic hardware.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 15, 2025 7:47am 0 VERSION_BUMP 5df1a7c7
Jan 12, 2025 5:46pm 0 VERSION_BUMP c2d304cf
Jan 12, 2025 9:26am 0 VERSION_BUMP 57439ad0
Jan 9, 2025 5:02pm 0 VERSION_BUMP a07c0820
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