Contributing: Difference between revisions

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== Contributing to Nixpkgs ==

Contributing to [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs Nixpkgs], the package repository for the [https://nixos.org/ Nix package manager], ~~allows you to help~~ maintain and improve the ecosystem of software available to Nix users~~. This guide outlines steps to get started with contributing to Nixpkgs effectively~~.

Contributing to [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs Nixpkgs], the package repository for the [https://nixos.org/ Nix package manager], helps maintain and improve the ecosystem of software available to Nix users.

~~==== 1.1 Getting started ====~~

* Guide on [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/blob/master/pkgs/README.md Contributing to the packages in Nixpkgs]

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with how Nixpkgs is structured. The [https://nixos.org/manual/nixpkgs/stable/ Nixpkgs manual] provides detailed documentation on how packages are defined and managed. It's essential to understand concepts like:

* Guide on [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md Contributing to Nixpkgs] in general

* Package derivations

* Nix expression language

* Nixpkgs architecture

~~==== 1.2 Setting up your development environment ====~~

~~To start contributing to Nixpkgs, ensure your development environment is properly configured:~~

* '''Install Nix''': [https://nixos.org/download.html Install Nix] on your local machine if you haven't already. This allows you to build packages and test changes locally.

* '''Clone the repository''': Fork and clone the Nixpkgs repository from GitHub.

~~==== 1.3 Finding an issue or package to work on ====~~

~~Contributions often begin by identifying an issue to address or a package to update within Nixpkgs:~~

* '''Explore the issue tracker''': Visit the [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/issues Nixpkgs issue tracker] on GitHub to find open issues, package requests, or ongoing discussions. Look for issues tagged as "good first issue", "help wanted", or "packaging request" to get started.

* ~~'''Check outdated packages''': Use tools like [https://github.com/Mic92/nixpkgs-review nixpkgs-review] to identify outdated packages that need updating.~~

~~==== 1.4 Contributing code ====~~

~~Once you've identified an issue or package to work~~ on~~, you can start contributing code:~~

* '''Branch''': Create a new branch for your changes using a descriptive name.

* '''Make changes''': Implement the necessary changes to the package definition. Ensure your changes adhere to the [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/blob/master/pkgs/README.md~~#conventions Nixpkgs packaging guidelines] and maintain consistency with existing code.~~

* '''Testing''': Test your changes locally using <code>nix-build</code> to verify functionality and compatibility with other packages. Include appropriate tests if required by the package's guidelines or to validate new functionality.

* '''Documentation''': Update relevant documentation, including the package's meta attributes and any necessary usage instructions.

~~==== 1.5 Submitting a pull request (PR) ====~~

~~When your changes are ready, submit a pull request to the Nixpkgs repository for review:~~

* '''Push changes''': Push your branch to your forked repository.

* '''Create a PR''': Navigate to the Nixpkgs repository on GitHub, select your branch, and create a pull request. Provide a clear title and detailed description of your changes using the provided PR template. Reference any relevant issues or discussions to facilitate review and feedback.

* '''CI Checks''': Ensure your PR passes all continuous integration checks. Address any failures promptly.

~~==== 1.6 Collaboration and feedback ====~~

~~Collaborate with the Nixpkgs community and address feedback on your PR:~~

* '''Review and iterate''': Respond promptly to comments and suggestions from maintainers and contributors. Make necessary revisions to your code to address any requested changes or improvements.

* '''Engage in discussions''': Participate in discussions related to your contribution and other ongoing developments within Nixpkgs. Contributing ~~isn't just about code; sharing insights and knowledge can enrich the community.~~

* '''Be patient''': The review process may take time due to the ~~high volume of contributions. Stay engaged and be prepared to make updates as needed.~~

~~==== 1.7 (Bonus) continuous learning and improvement ====~~

~~Contributing to Nixpkgs is an ongoing learning process:~~

* '''Stay updated''': Keep up with changes in Nixpkgs by following the [https://weekly.nixos.org/ NixOS weekly newsletter] and joining community channels on platforms like [https://matrix.to/#/#nixos:matrix.org Matrix] or [https://discord.gg/RbvHtGa Discord].

* ~~'''Attend community events''': Participate in [https://nixcon.org/ NixCon] and other community events to network and learn from experienced contributors.~~

* '''Explore advanced topics''': Dive into advanced Nix topics like [https://wiki.nixos.org/wiki/Flakes flakes] and [https://wiki.nixos.org/wiki/Overlays overlays] to enhance your contributions.

~~==== 1.8 (Bonus) alternative contribution methods ====~~

* '''Mailing List''': Submit patches via the [https://lists.nixos.org/mailman/listinfo/nix-devel Nixpkgs mailing list] if you prefer email-based contributions.

* '''Nix User Repositories (NUR)''': Consider creating your own [https://github.com/nix-community/NUR NUR] to share packages that may not fit within Nixpkgs. This can be an excellent way to experiment and receive community feedback.

~~==== 1.9 Conclusion ====~~

Contributing to Nixpkgs offers an opportunity to impact a widely-used package repository and collaborate with a diverse community of developers and users. By following best practices, actively engaging with the community, and continuously learning, you can make meaningful contributions to the Nix ecosystem and help shape the future of declarative package management.

~~For more detailed information, refer to the official~~ [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md Contributing to ~~nixpkgs~~] ~~guide~~ in ~~the Nixpkgs manual.~~

== References ==

@@ Line 65: / Line 65: @@
 == Contributing to Nixpkgs ==
-Contributing to [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs Nixpkgs], the package repository for the [https://nixos.org/ Nix package manager], allows you to help maintain and improve the ecosystem of software available to Nix users. This guide outlines steps to get started with contributing to Nixpkgs effectively.
+Contributing to [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs Nixpkgs], the package repository for the [https://nixos.org/ Nix package manager],  helps maintain and improve the ecosystem of software available to Nix users.
-==== 1.1 Getting started ====
+* Guide on [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/blob/master/pkgs/README.md Contributing to the packages in Nixpkgs]
-Before you begin, familiarize yourself with how Nixpkgs is structured. The [https://nixos.org/manual/nixpkgs/stable/ Nixpkgs manual] provides detailed documentation on how packages are defined and managed. It's essential to understand concepts like:
+* Guide on [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md Contributing to Nixpkgs] in general
-* Package derivations
-* Nix expression language
-* Nixpkgs architecture
-==== 1.2 Setting up your development environment ====
-To start contributing to Nixpkgs, ensure your development environment is properly configured:
-* '''Install Nix''': [https://nixos.org/download.html Install Nix] on your local machine if you haven't already. This allows you to build packages and test changes locally.
-* '''Clone the repository''': Fork and clone the Nixpkgs repository from GitHub.
-==== 1.3 Finding an issue or package to work on ====
-Contributions often begin by identifying an issue to address or a package to update within Nixpkgs:
-* '''Explore the issue tracker''': Visit the [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/issues Nixpkgs issue tracker] on GitHub to find open issues, package requests, or ongoing discussions. Look for issues tagged as "good first issue", "help wanted", or "packaging request" to get started.
-* '''Check outdated packages''': Use tools like [https://github.com/Mic92/nixpkgs-review nixpkgs-review] to identify outdated packages that need updating.
-==== 1.4 Contributing code ====
-Once you've identified an issue or package to work on, you can start contributing code:
-* '''Branch''': Create a new branch for your changes using a descriptive name.
-* '''Make changes''': Implement the necessary changes to the package definition. Ensure your changes adhere to the [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/blob/master/pkgs/README.md#conventions Nixpkgs packaging guidelines] and maintain consistency with existing code.
-* '''Testing''': Test your changes locally using <code>nix-build</code> to verify functionality and compatibility with other packages. Include appropriate tests if required by the package's guidelines or to validate new functionality.
-* '''Documentation''': Update relevant documentation, including the package's meta attributes and any necessary usage instructions.
-==== 1.5 Submitting a pull request (PR) ====
-When your changes are ready, submit a pull request to the Nixpkgs repository for review:
-* '''Push changes''': Push your branch to your forked repository.
-* '''Create a PR''': Navigate to the Nixpkgs repository on GitHub, select your branch, and create a pull request. Provide a clear title and detailed description of your changes using the provided PR template. Reference any relevant issues or discussions to facilitate review and feedback.
-* '''CI Checks''': Ensure your PR passes all continuous integration checks. Address any failures promptly.
-==== 1.6 Collaboration and feedback ====
-Collaborate with the Nixpkgs community and address feedback on your PR:
-* '''Review and iterate''': Respond promptly to comments and suggestions from maintainers and contributors. Make necessary revisions to your code to address any requested changes or improvements.
-* '''Engage in discussions''': Participate in discussions related to your contribution and other ongoing developments within Nixpkgs. Contributing isn't just about code; sharing insights and knowledge can enrich the community.
-* '''Be patient''': The review process may take time due to the high volume of contributions. Stay engaged and be prepared to make updates as needed.
-==== 1.7 (Bonus) continuous learning and improvement ====
-Contributing to Nixpkgs is an ongoing learning process:
-* '''Stay updated''': Keep up with changes in Nixpkgs by following the [https://weekly.nixos.org/ NixOS weekly newsletter] and joining community channels on platforms like [https://matrix.to/#/#nixos:matrix.org Matrix] or [https://discord.gg/RbvHtGa Discord].
-* '''Attend community events''': Participate in [https://nixcon.org/ NixCon] and other community events to network and learn from experienced contributors.
-* '''Explore advanced topics''': Dive into advanced Nix topics like [https://wiki.nixos.org/wiki/Flakes flakes] and [https://wiki.nixos.org/wiki/Overlays overlays] to enhance your contributions.
-==== 1.8 (Bonus) alternative contribution methods ====
-* '''Mailing List''': Submit patches via the [https://lists.nixos.org/mailman/listinfo/nix-devel Nixpkgs mailing list] if you prefer email-based contributions.
-* '''Nix User Repositories (NUR)''': Consider creating your own [https://github.com/nix-community/NUR NUR] to share packages that may not fit within Nixpkgs. This can be an excellent way to experiment and receive community feedback.
-==== 1.9 Conclusion ====
-Contributing to Nixpkgs offers an opportunity to impact a widely-used package repository and collaborate with a diverse community of developers and users. By following best practices, actively engaging with the community, and continuously learning, you can make meaningful contributions to the Nix ecosystem and help shape the future of declarative package management.
-For more detailed information, refer to the official [https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md Contributing to nixpkgs] guide in the Nixpkgs manual.
 == References ==