Contributing

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Contributing to Nixpkgs

Contributing to Nixpkgs, the package repository for the 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.

1.1 Getting Started

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with how Nixpkgs is structured. The Nixpkgs manual provides detailed documentation on how packages are defined and managed.

1.2 Setting Up Your Development Environment

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

• Install Nix: 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 Nixpkgs issue tracker on GitHub to find open issues, package requests, or ongoing discussions. Look for issues tagged as "Packaging request" or "Build failure" to get started.

1.4 Contributing Code

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

• Fork and Branch: Fork the Nixpkgs repository on GitHub and create a new branch for your changes.
• Make Changes: Implement the necessary changes to the package definition or address the issue using the Nix expression language. Ensure your changes adhere to the Nixpkgs packaging guidelines and maintain consistency with existing code.
• Testing: Test your changes locally to verify functionality and compatibility with other packages. Include appropriate tests if required by the package's guidelines or to validate new functionality.

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. Reference any relevant issues or discussions to facilitate review and feedback.

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.

1.7 Conclusion

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

See also Contributing to nixpkgs.

There is also a Maillinglist where you can submit patches if you prefer to submit patches via email. These will then be forwarded to Nixpkgs as a pull request by someone on the mailing list.

1.8 Alternative: Contribute to Nix User Repositories

In case your package(s) don't fit within nixpkgs, you may consider creating your own Nix User Repository (NUR) to share your work with others. This cuts down on maintenance costs among community members, and gives you a way to receive feedback from others.

Contributing to the Official NixOS Wiki

Contributing to the official NixOS Wiki is an invaluable way to improve documentation, share knowledge, and support users in navigating the NixOS ecosystem. This guide provides clear steps to help you begin contributing effectively to the NixOS Wiki.

2.1 Getting Started

Before you start contributing, familiarize yourself with the structure and purpose of the NixOS Wiki:

• Explore the Wiki: Visit the NixOS Wiki to understand its organization and the types of content it hosts. The wiki covers installation guides, configuration tips, package management, and more.
• Engage with the Community: Join discussions on platforms like the GitHub Wiki Repository. Active participation can highlight areas where documentation needs improvement.

2.2 Contributing Content

Contributions to the NixOS Wiki involve creating new pages or editing existing ones to improve clarity and relevance:

• Create a Wiki Account: Register an account on the NixOS Wiki to start contributing. This allows you to create and edit pages directly.
• Identify Areas for Improvement: Review current wiki pages to find gaps or areas that could benefit from more detailed explanations. Focus on topics that are frequently discussed or updated.

2.3 Writing and Editing Wiki Pages

Follow these guidelines when writing or editing content on the NixOS Wiki:

• Learn the syntax: ...
• Provide Context and Examples: Ensure content is clear and understandable. Include examples and practical advice to help users implement solutions effectively.
• Linking: Use internal wiki links to connect related pages and external links to reputable sources for further reading. This helps users navigate through related topics seamlessly. Add them to the "References" category too.

2.4 Submitting Edits

Once you've prepared your contributions, submit them to the NixOS Wiki:

• Save Page: Use the wiki's editing interface to save the changes directly. Preview your edits to ensure they appear as intended before saving.
• Document Changes: Write a concise summary of your edits in the edit summary box. This informs other contributors about the purpose of your changes.

2.5 Engaging in Discussions

Stay connected with the NixOS Wiki community to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing:

• Discuss Changes: Participate in discussions on the wiki's talk pages or relevant community forums. Solicit feedback on proposed changes to refine content and ensure accuracy.
• Review and Update: Regularly review existing wiki pages to keep information current. Update content based on new features, community feedback, or changes in the NixOS environment.

2.6 Conclusion

Contributing to the official NixOS Wiki allows you to improve the community's knowledge base and support users in adopting and maintaining NixOS effectively. By adhering to these guidelines and actively engaging with the community, you play a vital role in improving the accessibility and comprehensiveness of NixOS documentation.

Contributing to Nix

See the Nix repository contribution guide.

Contributing to the documentation

See Contributing to Nix documentation.

Support other users

Nix/NixOS is a community-led effort. It is up to every participant to help each other learn and use Nix effectively. Here are some ways to help other users:

• Help users on the Nix Discourse.
• Help users on the Nix Matrix (real time chat). Consider joining a Matrix room that matches your interest/expertise.
• Write blog posts on how to do things with Nix(OS).
• Engage with others on social media about Nix(OS).