I just switched one of my systems over to NixOS from Arch and so far it seems interesting. One question I had is regarding the nix-shell. So I get the basic concept of it and that it allows creating a shell that has packages installed with that shell making ideal for dev environments. I’ve even seen talks where the suggest nix-shells over docker/podman, my question is how is persistent data (like databases) handled?

  • Rikudou_Sage@lemmings.worldEnglish
    0·
    9 months ago

    Nix shell basically just downloads the software (if it’s not already downloaded) and then modifies your PATH to include the new software.

    Persistent data stay persistent.

    Nix shell has one use case common with docker (local development), but other than that the solutions are not similar at all.

    • rutrum@lm.paradisus.dayEnglish
      0·
      9 months ago

      How do you use your computer? Did you really just blow away your OS and jump to one you just heard about? I ask because I spend many months preparing to make the move, and I’m still working at a deficit, since my 4 year old OS had so many hours of tinkering that went undocumented and forgotten. Im still slowly configuring my nixos box. How did you use your computer?

      • linearchaos@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        8 months ago

        I backed up my 2 year old Debian 2 weeks ago and burned it down for NixOs. With the exception of getting Nvidia prime straight and having to learn configs multiple times as I did the start with flakes or home manager, It’s been incredibly smooth sailing.

        It took me two or three days on Debian to get OBS and plugins straightened out. Nix worked with just a couple lines of config. I had Nix back to where I left off with Debian after approximately 2 days.

        Being able to see other people’s configs and dork around with what other people are playing with without screwing up my system we’re going through dependency hell is nothing short of amazing.