2.1 Install Python

Because Powerline is a Python app, we need to have Python and that too a proper version of Python.

• MacOS comes with Python installed already. Ensure Python’s version is 2.7.x by typing python -V in the Terminal.
• If it’s not 2.7, install Homebrew that allows us to install various software from the CLI, by running:/usr/bin/ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"
• Run brew install python to install the latest Python via Homebrew

2.2 Install pip — A package manager for Python (similar to npm)

Install pip by running the following command

$ sudo easy_install pip

2.3 Install XCode Developer CLI tools

XCode Developer CLI tools are used by Powerline and other apps that manipulate core OSX features. So make sure to install the XCode CLI tools by running the following command.

$ xcode-select —-install

Note: The above command opens up Mac’s installer and installs the XCode Developer CLI tools. If it doesn’t work, try xcode-select -r to reset.

2.4 Install Powerline

Finally, install the Powerline (stable version) via pip by running the following command.

$ pip install --user powerline-status

If you want to install the latest development branch, then use:

$ pip install --user git+git://github.com/powerline/powerline  //dev

2.5 Add the Powerline daemon to bash

We now need to add the Powerline daemon to bash so that it can monitor the Terminal prompt and make changes.

2.5.1 Copy the Powerline’s installation location

You can figure out the location of Powerline by running the following: pip show powerline-status Copy the value from the Location field.