Install a previous version of an application with Homebrew Cask

Homebrew Cask in Action

Homebrew Cask is a huge time saver for setting up my development machine. I’m currently in the process of changing my OS X development machine to an automated solution. This will allow me to format the hard drive and start again within a couple of hours with no further configuration required.

One issue I have … errr had … is the need to install previous versions of applications.

Thankfully all of Brew Cask’s history is available on GitHub, allowing you to find the application’s cask file to meet your needs.

To find the cask file you need:

1. Go to the Homebrew Cask GitHub Project Page.
2. Click “Find File” (Shortcut: T).
3. Type in the application name.
4. Click the *.rb file of the application you need.
5. Click “History.”
6. Find the version you need by reading the commit messages and viewing the raw file. Confirm the version variable (normally on line 2) is the version you need.
7. Copy the raw link to the file.
8. Install the specific version you need using brew cask install.

Example:

brew install --cask https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/homebrew-cask/003355667efbdbf86cd6eb2e9b27a06f92b3e832/Casks/google-chrome.rb

Done!