Kitty

Kitty is a modern, fast, GPU-based terminal emulator that leverages modern graphics hardware for high performance. It works on macOS and Linux, supporting multiple tabs and windows for managing sessions. Kitty can be extended with scripts, supports Unicode and emojis, and offers extensive customization through its configuration file. It integrates well with the operating system, including features like clipboard support and drag-and-drop functionality. Known for its high performance and responsiveness, Kitty is actively maintained with regular updates.

Overall, it is a powerful and flexible terminal emulator for advanced users.

Installation

2.1 Using nix-shell

nix-shell -p kitty

2.2 System-Wide Installation on NixOS

environment.systemPackages = [
  pkgs.kitty
];

After modifying your configuration, apply the changes by running:

sudo nixos-rebuild switch

2.3 User-Specific Installation with Home Manager

home.packages = [ 
  pkgs.kitty 
];

After updating your configuration, apply the changes by running:

home-manager switch

Configuration

Note: Currently, configuring Kitty is possible only by using Home Manager.

3.1 Basic

programs.kitty = {
    enable = true;
};

3.2 Advanced

programs.kitty = lib.mkForce {
  enable = true;
  settings = {
    confirm_os_window_close = 0;
    dynamic_background_opacity = true;
    enable_audio_bell = false;
    mouse_hide_wait = "-1.0";
    window_padding_width = 10;
    background_opacity = "0.5";
    background_blur = 5;
    symbol_map = let
      mappings = [
        "U+23FB-U+23FE"
        "U+2B58"
        "U+E200-U+E2A9"
        "U+E0A0-U+E0A3"
        "U+E0B0-U+E0BF"
        "U+E0C0-U+E0C8"
        "U+E0CC-U+E0CF"
        "U+E0D0-U+E0D2"
        "U+E0D4"
        "U+E700-U+E7C5"
        "U+F000-U+F2E0"
        "U+2665"
        "U+26A1"
        "U+F400-U+F4A8"
        "U+F67C"
        "U+E000-U+E00A"
        "U+F300-U+F313"
        "U+E5FA-U+E62B"
      ];
    in
      (builtins.concatStringsSep "," mappings) + " Symbols Nerd Font";
  };
};

Tips and Tricks

4.1 Where to see a list of options?

The home manager options are defined in the following Home Manager Options Manual.

4.2 Can this be used with stylix?

Yes, it can. See the following configuration:

extraConfig = with config.stylix.base16Scheme; ''
  foreground #${base05}
  background #${base00}
  color0  #${base03}
  color1  #${base08}
  color2  #${base0B}
  color3  #${base09}
  color4  #${base0D}
  color5  #${base0E}
  color6  #${base0C}
  color7  #${base06}
  color8  #${base04}
  color9  #${base08}
  color10 #${base0B}
  color11 #${base0A}
  color12 #${base0C}
  color13 #${base0E}
  color14 #${base0C}
  color15 #${base07}
  color16 #${base00}
  color17 #${base0F}
  color18 #${base0B}
  color19 #${base09}
  color20 #${base0D}
  color21 #${base0E}
  color22 #${base0C}
  color23 #${base06}
  cursor  #${base07}
  cursor_text_color #${base00}
  selection_foreground #${base01}
  selection_background #${base0D}
  url_color #${base0C}
  active_border_color #${base04}
  inactive_border_color #${base00}
  bell_border_color #${base03}
  tab_bar_style fade
  tab_fade 1
  active_tab_foreground   #${base04}
  active_tab_background   #${base00}
  active_tab_font_style   bold
  inactive_tab_foreground #${base07}
  inactive_tab_background #${base08}
  inactive_tab_font_style bold
  tab_bar_background #${base00}
'';

Stylix can also do it automatically for you. You have to set:

stylix.targets.kitty.enable = true;

4.3 How to map kitty to a key?

It depends on the window manager that you are using. On Hyprland it's fairly easy:

bind = [
  "$mod, Q, exec, kitty"
];

References

1. https://github.com/kovidgoyal/kitty
2. https://sw.kovidgoyal.net/kitty/
3. https://nix-community.github.io/home-manager/options.xhtml#opt-programs.kitty.enable
4. https://stylix.danth.me/options/hm.html#stylixtargetskittyenable