Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Error while running services using Linuxbrew on Ubuntu

Error resolving Linuxbrew installation on Ubuntu 16.04

Quick Answer: Try reinstalling Homebrew and verifying the LaunchAgents directory.

Error while running services using Linuxbrew on Ubuntu occurs when trying to start services like Redis, Kafka, or other applications installed via Linuxbrew. This issue affects users who have installed Linuxbrew instead of Homebrew for macOS and are experiencing difficulties in starting their services.

This error is frustrating because it prevents users from utilizing the features and functionalities of their installed applications. Fortunately, resolving this issue is possible through the use of alternative methods to start the services.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that Linuxbrew uses a different configuration file system than Homebrew on macOS. The LaunchAgents directory, which is used by Homebrew to store its configuration files, does not exist in Linuxbrew. Therefore, when trying to start services via the 'brew service start' command, Linuxbrew cannot find the required configuration files.
  • An alternative reason for this error could be that the user's home directory path is incorrect or not properly set up in the Linuxbrew configuration.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Using the correct LaunchAgents directory

  1. Step 1: To start services using Linuxbrew, you need to use the '/home/localadmin/.bash_profile' file instead of '/home/localadmin/Library/LaunchAgents/'. Open this file in a text editor and add the following line: 'export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin'. Save the changes and restart your terminal.
  2. Step 2: Next, navigate to the LaunchAgents directory using the command 'sudo cp /etc/launchd.conf ~/Library/LaunchAgents/.', then rename it to '.plist' by adding a dot at the beginning of its name. This will create a symbolic link to the original file in the correct location.
  3. Step 3: Finally, try starting your service again using the 'brew service start redis' command.

Setting up the home directory path

  1. Step 1: To resolve the issue caused by an incorrect or non-existent home directory path, you need to set it correctly in the Linuxbrew configuration. Open the '/etc/bash.bashrc' file in a text editor and add the following line: 'export HOME=/home/localadmin'. Save the changes and restart your terminal.
  2. Step 2: Alternatively, you can also set the HOME environment variable using the command 'export HOME=/home/localadmin'.

🎯 Final Words

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error and start your services using Linuxbrew on Ubuntu. Remember to always check the documentation for the specific service you are trying to install or manage for any additional configuration requirements.

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