tcpdump
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Description:
Command-line packet analyzer
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Networking
Tags: networking packet-analyzer cli troubleshooting security
Install: brew install tcpdump
About:
Tcpdump is a powerful command-line packet analyzer that allows users to capture and inspect network traffic in real-time. It can display TCP/IP and other packets being transmitted or received over a network. Its primary value is providing granular visibility into network activity for troubleshooting and security analysis.
Key Features:
  • Live packet capture and display
  • Powerful filtering capabilities using BPF syntax
  • Supports reading and writing PCAP files
  • Detailed protocol dissection
Use Cases:
  • Troubleshooting network connectivity issues
  • Analyzing network protocols for development
  • Security auditing and intrusion detection
Alternatives:
  • Wireshark – Provides a comprehensive GUI for packet analysis, whereas Tcpdump is strictly command-line based.
  • tshark – The CLI version of Wireshark; offers similar functionality but with a different command structure.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 12, 2025 3:07am 0 VERSION_BUMP 91d85562