# Casks (Applications)
Casks allow you to install macOS applications and Linux desktop apps.
---
## What are Casks?
Casks extend Stout to install:
- **macOS:** DMG, PKG, and ZIP application bundles
- **Linux:** AppImage, Flatpak, and other desktop applications
Unlike formulas (command-line tools), casks install GUI applications.
---
## Basic Usage
### Search for Applications
```bash
stout cask search firefox
```
### Install an Application
```bash
stout cask install firefox
```
Or use the `--cask` flag with install:
```bash
stout install --cask firefox
```
### List Installed Applications
```bash
stout cask list
```
### Get Application Info
```bash
stout cask info visual-studio-code
```
---
## Managing Applications
### Uninstall
Remove an application:
```bash
stout cask uninstall firefox
```
### Uninstall with Zap
Remove application and all associated files (preferences, caches, etc.):
```bash
stout cask uninstall --zap firefox
```
!!! warning
The `--zap` option removes user preferences and data. Use with caution.
### Check for Updates
```bash
stout cask outdated
```
### Upgrade Applications
Upgrade a specific application:
```bash
stout cask upgrade firefox
```
Upgrade all applications:
```bash
stout cask upgrade
```
---
## Installation Locations
### macOS
- **Applications:** `/Applications` or `~/Applications`
- **Binaries:** Symlinked to `/opt/homebrew/bin`
### Linux
- **AppImages:** `~/.local/share/appimages`
- **Binaries:** Symlinked to `~/.local/bin`
---
## Common Casks
### Browsers
```bash
stout cask install firefox
stout cask install google-chrome
stout cask install brave-browser
```
### Development Tools
```bash
stout cask install visual-studio-code
stout cask install iterm2
stout cask install docker
stout cask install postman
```
### Productivity
```bash
stout cask install slack
stout cask install notion
stout cask install 1password
```
### Media
```bash
stout cask install vlc
stout cask install spotify
stout cask install obs
```
---
## Cask Options
### Force Reinstall
```bash
stout cask install --force firefox
```
### Skip Quarantine (macOS)
By default, macOS quarantines downloaded applications. To skip:
```bash
stout cask install --no-quarantine some-app
```
---
## Casks in Brewfiles
Include casks in your Brewfile:
```ruby
# Brewfile
# Formulas (CLI tools)
brew "git"
brew "node"
# Casks (Applications)
cask "firefox"
cask "visual-studio-code"
cask "docker"
```
Install everything:
```bash
stout bundle install
```
---
## Troubleshooting
### Application won't open (macOS)
If macOS blocks the application:
1. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy
2. Click "Open Anyway" for the blocked application
Or remove quarantine attribute:
```bash
xattr -d com.apple.quarantine /Applications/SomeApp.app
```
### Application not found after install
Check if the cask includes a binary:
```bash
stout cask info some-app
```
If it doesn't add to PATH, launch from Applications folder.
### Cask conflicts with existing installation
Uninstall the existing version first, or use `--force`:
```bash
stout cask install --force some-app
```