# Install esniper with Homebrew, MacPorts

Snipe eBay auctions from the command-line. Version 2.35.0 via Homebrew; verified from local package data. Also installable with macports: sudo port install esniper.

## Install

```sh
sudo av install brew:esniper
```

Additional install commands:

### macOS

- Homebrew (100%):

```sh
brew install esniper
```

  Evidence: local Homebrew formula metadata

- MacPorts (94%):

```sh
sudo port install esniper
```

  Evidence: MacPorts ports tree: net/esniper/Portfile from https://api.github.com/repos/macports/macports-ports/git/trees/master?recursive=1

## Package facts

- **Package key:** brew:esniper
- **Package manager:** Homebrew
- **Version:** 2.35.0
- **Source summary:** Snipe eBay auctions from the command-line
- **Homepage:** <https://sourceforge.net/projects/esniper/>
- **Generated:** 2026-08-03T19:37:03+00:00

## Executables

- esniper (alias)

## Install behavior

- Bottle: not available

## Freshness

- Page generated: 2026-08-03
- Package-manager version: 2.35.0
## Project history and usage

esniper is a legacy command-line eBay auction sniping tool. Its official manpage describes it as lightweight by design, with auctions supplied either on the command line or through an auction file.

### Project history

The project dates back to the 2000s SourceForge era of small Unix command-line automation tools. Its manpage was updated in January 2005 and documents configuration, auction files, proxy support, bidding timing, username/password handling, and batch mode.

The official project site now warns that development stopped in January 2020 because eBay changed its login flow to require JavaScript, which esniper could not support in its existing architecture.

### Adoption history

esniper's adoption was niche: it appealed to users comfortable storing auction and credential details in local files and running a CLI shortly before auction close. Its package-manager presence in Homebrew and MacPorts reflects a long-tail Unix utility audience more than mainstream consumer use.

### How it is used

Users specify auction numbers and bid prices directly, or use an auction file. The default Unix configuration file is `$HOME/.esniper`; the same file can contain username and password values, so the official sample config warns that Unix users should restrict permissions if they store a password.

### Why package nerds care

For package nerds, esniper is a fossil from the era when many web workflows could still be automated by small C or shell-friendly command-line programs. Its breakage after eBay's login changes is a useful reminder that packaged web automation tools can become obsolete when remote sites change interaction requirements.

### Timeline

- 2005: Official manpage updated with CLI, configuration, and auction-file behavior.
- 2020: Development stopped after eBay login changes required JavaScript.
- 2020s: Package remains available in long-tail package managers for legacy users.

### Related projects

- Related tools are other eBay auction snipers and legacy command-line web automation utilities; the project is not closely related to modern browser automation frameworks.

### Sources

- <https://esniper.sourceforge.net/>
- <https://esniper.sourceforge.net/esniper_man.html>
- <https://esniper.sourceforge.net/sample_config.txt>
- <https://sourceforge.net/p/esniper/code-git>
- <https://formulae.brew.sh/formula/esniper>


## Security Notes

narrow executable package without higher-risk signals.

- **Geiger risk:** green / low
- narrow executable package without higher-risk signals


## Configuration and credential file locations

These source-backed paths show where this package keeps local settings or durable credentials. Automic Vault can use them as review targets for secret scanning, migration, and command approval.


## Configuration files

- Unix: ~/.esniper

## Credential files

- Unix: ~/.esniper
## Other Package-Manager Records

- MacPorts - esniper: normalized package name match | MacPorts ports tree: net/esniper/Portfile from https://api.github.com/repos/macports/macports-ports/git/trees/master?recursive=1


## Combined YAML source

View the package source record on GitHub. [combined/esniper.yml](https://github.com/mxcl/pkgdb/blob/main/combined/esniper.yml)


## Sources

- pkg.so package database
- Geiger risk classifier
- curated configuration and credential file locations
- curated package history
- pkgdb category and tag curation
- external package-manager database matches
- cross-ecosystem install command graph