this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2025
13 points (78.3% liked)

Linux

11696 readers
128 users here now

Welcome to c/linux!

Welcome to our thriving Linux community! Whether you're a seasoned Linux enthusiast or just starting your journey, we're excited to have you here. Explore, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share a passion for open-source software and the endless possibilities it offers. Together, let's dive into the world of Linux and embrace the power of freedom, customization, and innovation. Enjoy your stay and feel free to join the vibrant discussions that await you!

Rules:

  1. Stay on topic: Posts and discussions should be related to Linux, open source software, and related technologies.

  2. Be respectful: Treat fellow community members with respect and courtesy.

  3. Quality over quantity: Share informative and thought-provoking content.

  4. No spam or self-promotion: Avoid excessive self-promotion or spamming.

  5. No NSFW adult content

  6. Follow general lemmy guidelines.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I think the least that distros can do, is allow listing all packages and system settings in config files like .toml, rather than having to type in every single package to install, or click through system setting GUIs to setup. Would that require using a whole programming language or system like NIx?

While NixOS works much differently from most distros, that's the only reason I use it: package and system settings in text files. If I fix something, it's fixed permanently, I don't need to hunt down files in random directories if I want to change a setting. If I ever need to reinstall the OS I don't have to write dnf install every single damn package and manually setup all that up all over again. Having daily-drove Windows macOS & Fedora as throughout the years, my setups have felt hacky as well as houses of cards as I've wanted or had to set them up again (I don't mean Fedora specifically, but distros in general).

Basically it feels insane that it's the way most linux users and servers in the world operate. If I, a humble computer hobbyist can figure out Nix, why don't more users do so, and why is Nix so niche?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] enemenemu@lemm.ee 5 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

I'd love having a file that lists all software like in nix. It has always been a miracle to me why I don't have a history of installed packages. Before I moved to atomic fedora, I created a shell script that was like "sudo apt install openssh \ yt-dlp \ firefox". With this I would've known what I had installed previously. Since packages are built on top of the system image on atomic distros, they have to keep track now and I don't have to do it anymore.

To me, nix is still young in the sense that it is not as mature and user friendly as other distros. There are still "3 major different" ways to use nix. (I actually have no idea how many ways but it seems like you can do everything). It needs to be very simple.

I actually use home manager on my device and the package landscape is still not as reliable as on fedora, in my experience.