Getting to know NixOS.
NixOS is a Linux distro grounded on a declarative system configuration model that, unlike most other distros, guarantees reliable, atomic system upgrades as well as the ability to rollback to a previous system state. Each system state is the result of NixOS realising (atomically) a system configuration you write in a purely functional configuration language. You can take any configuration you've written to reproduce the corresponding system state on another machine.
After combing the interwebs, I decided to collect in one place what I've found useful as a starting point to be able to run NixOS and keep the system in good shape. Much of the stuff I've collected here comes from the Nix and NixOS manuals, the NixOS wiki, and the Arch wiki. I've found that NixOS docs are overall good but lack depth, so I've used the Arch wiki alot to fill the gaps. In particular, the General Recommendations page on the Arch wiki is a terrific source of knowledge.
- About NixOS. Straight from NixOS home, a must-read, clear, short and sweet explanation of what NixOS is and what it can do.
- NixOS Core Installation. How to get a bare bones NixOS system up and running from scratch.
- Configuration 101. Intro to the NixOS configuration model with pointers to essential sections in the manual.
- Package Management. How to (un-)install & upgrade software in NixOS.
- System Configuration. Assembling the system to your liking.
- Runtime Management. Managing a running system.
- System Maintenance. Making sure your box keeps running smoothly.