Nix System Configuration

Personal Nix flake for macOS (nix-darwin) and NixOS.

Get started (macOS)

1. Set hostname (must match a darwinConfigurations entry in flake.nix):

   my_hostname="my-macbook-pro"
   sudo scutil --set HostName $my_hostname
   sudo scutil --set LocalHostName $my_hostname
   sudo scutil --set ComputerName $my_hostname
   dscacheutil -flushcache

2. Install Lix (docs):

   curl -sSf -L https://install.lix.systems/lix | sh -s -- install
   nix run nixpkgs#hello  # verify it works

3. Clone this repo to ~/system

4. Add machine config if needed:

   • Create machines/<hostname>/default.nix
   • Add darwinConfigurations entry in flake.nix

5. Optional: Create .env to override hostname (see .env.example)

6. First build:

   nix run nix-darwin -- switch --flake .

Rebuilding

After initial setup:

mise nix-switch      # from ~/system directory
nix-switch           # from anywhere (shell alias)

Upgrading

Update flake inputs and rebuild:

mise nix-upgrade     # from ~/system directory
nix-upgrade          # from anywhere (shell alias)

Homebrew

Managed via modules/darwin/brew.nix. See docs/homebrew-vs-nixpkgs.md for when to use Homebrew vs nixpkgs.

brew bundle check -v   # list missing dependencies
brew bundle cleanup    # list unexpected dependencies (--force to remove)

Get started (NixOS)

1. Download and install NixOS

2. Move generated config:

   sudo mv /etc/nixos ~/system && sudo chown -R $USER ~/system
   cd ~/system

3. Clone this repo, preserving hardware config:

   mv hardware-configuration.nix ..
   git init && git remote add origin https://github.com/aviraccoon/system && git fetch origin
   git reset --hard origin/main
   mv ../hardware-configuration.nix ./machines/$(hostname)/hardware.nix

4. Add nixosConfigurations entry in flake.nix for your hostname

5. Build:

   sudo nixos-rebuild switch --flake .

Documentation

• Upgrading Nix versions
• Homebrew vs nixpkgs

Resources

• nix-darwin manual
• Home Manager manual
• Lix documentation

Influences

• https://gitlab.canidae.systems/htw/system (main inspiration)
• https://github.com/kclejeune/system
• https://github.com/i077/system
• https://xyno.space/post/nix-darwin-introduction
• https://nixcademy.com/2024/01/15/nix-on-macos/