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joshsymonds/nix-config/nix-patterns

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PublishedJuly 11, 2026 at 12:51 AM

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version: "1.0.0" name: writing-nix-config description: Patterns for this nix-config flake repository. Use when editing .nix files, adding packages, creating modules, or debugging flake issues.

Nix Configuration Patterns

Critical Rules

Rule	Why
Run `update` after changes	Nothing takes effect until rebuilt
Run `git add` before `nix flake check`	Flakes only see git-tracked files
Use `lib.fakeHash` for unknown hashes	Nix will tell you the real hash on build failure

Common Mistakes

Wrong	Right
Running `nix flake check` on new files without `git add`	`git add <file>` first
Editing config and expecting immediate effect	Run `update` to rebuild
Guessing SHA256 hashes	Use `lib.fakeHash`, build, copy real hash from error
Adding package only to overlay	Also add to `pkgs/default.nix`

Commands

bash

update                              # Rebuild current system
nix flake check                     # Validate flake
nix build .#<package>               # Build package
nix eval .#nixosConfigurations.<host>.config.<option>  # Check config value

Package Pattern

nix

# pkgs/<name>/default.nix
{ lib, stdenv, fetchFromGitHub, ... }:
stdenv.mkDerivation rec {
  pname = "name";
  version = "1.0.0";
 
  src = fetchFromGitHub {
    owner = "...";
    repo = "...";
    rev = "v${version}";
    hash = "sha256-AAAA...";  # Use lib.fakeHash first, nix will tell you real hash
  };
 
  meta = with lib; {
    description = "...";
    license = licenses.mit;
    platforms = platforms.all;
  };
}

Then add to pkgs/default.nix and overlays/default.nix.

Home Manager Module Pattern

nix

# home-manager/<app>/default.nix
{ pkgs, lib, ... }: {
  home.packages = [ pkgs.app ];
 
  # Or use programs.<app> if module exists
  programs.app = {
    enable = true;
    settings = { ... };
  };
}

Then import in home-manager/common.nix or platform-specific file.

Agenix Secret Pattern

nix

# 1. Add to secrets/secrets.nix
"secrets/hosts/<host>/<name>.age".publicKeys = keys.<host>;
 
# 2. Declare in host config
age.secrets."<name>" = {
  file = ../../secrets/hosts/<host>/<name>.age;
  owner = "<service-user>";
  mode = "0400";
};
 
# 3. Create the secret
agenix -e secrets/hosts/<host>/<name>.age

This Repo's Systems

Host	Platform	Notes
ninuan	macOS	Primary dev, Aerospace WM
ultraviolet	NixOS	Headless server
bluedesert	NixOS	Headless server
echelon	NixOS	Headless server

All versions