Genesis

Personal macOS bootstrap script for setting up a new machine with Homebrew, Node.js, fonts, App Store apps, npm packages, Cursor extensions, a preferred Dock layout, and shell defaults.

Usage

Run the script from anywhere:

bash /absolute/path/to/init.sh

Or from the repository root:

bash ./init.sh

The script is designed to be rerun. It skips installed Homebrew formulae, casks, and App Store apps when possible.

What it does

• Installs Homebrew if it is missing, then runs brew update and brew upgrade
• Installs nvm, then installs and activates Node.js 24
• Installs the Homebrew formulae, casks, fonts, and Mac App Store apps listed in Brewfile via brew bundle
• Installs the npm packages listed in lib/npm.sh
• Installs the Cursor extensions listed in lib/cursor.sh
• Symlinks the tracked configs in dotfiles/ into place via lib/dotfiles.sh (existing files are backed up with a timestamped suffix, not overwritten)
• Applies the macOS defaults listed in lib/defaults.sh
• Configures the Dock order listed in lib/dock.sh
• Sets sensible git defaults via lib/git.sh (init.defaultBranch=main, push.autoSetupRemote=true); identity, SSH, and commit signing are left to GitHub Desktop, 1Password's developer SSH agent, and gh auth login
• Updates .zshrc using lib/zshrc.sh, enabling the Oh My Zsh git plugin when available, loading nvm in future zsh sessions, plus autocd and dot-directory shortcuts
• Prints the manual follow-up steps listed in lib/postflight.sh

Prerequisites

• macOS only
• An internet connection
• Sign in to the Mac App Store before running if you want mas installs to succeed

If the App Store account is unavailable, Genesis skips those steps and prints a message.