dust is a command-line disk usage analyzer.
It provides a more readable overview than the standard du command and helps identify large files and directories quickly.
The tool is installed through Homebrew and declared in the project Brewfile.
It is part of the curated Homebrew environment; see Homebrew setup to install everything at once.
Install dust directly:
brew install dustVerify the installation:
dust --version
brew list --formula | grep -x dustAnalyze the current directory:
dustAnalyze a specific directory:
dust ~/LibraryLimit the displayed directory depth:
dust -d 2 .Display a limited number of results:
dust -n 20 .Analyze multiple paths:
dust ~/Downloads ~/Documentsdust is useful for inspecting:
- project dependencies;
- Docker and container data;
- package manager caches;
- macOS Library directories;
- large download folders;
- build artifacts.
Examples:
dust -d 2 ~/Library
dust -d 3 ~/Documents
dust -d 2 ~/.cacheLarge system or protected directories may require additional permissions.
dust only analyzes disk usage.
It does not delete files or modify directories.
Any cleanup must be performed manually after reviewing the reported paths.
Do not delete unfamiliar files from macOS system or Library directories without understanding their purpose.
Display the available options:
dust --helpConfirm that the Homebrew binary is available:
command -v dustRefresh the shell command cache if necessary:
rehashRemove dust with Homebrew:
brew uninstall dustThen remove its entry from profiles/full/Brewfile.