Nixpkgs

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nixpkgs is the community maintained code repository for package descriptions as well as module descriptions for NixOS. The repository is maintained in https://github.com/nixos/nixpkgs and a number of core maintainers update nix expressions and module definitions.

Channels

Channels in the Nix Ecosystem are tagged and tested revisions inside the nixpkgs repository. Every push of code towards the repository will be built by the official nixos.org hydra deployment. The Nix Channels article provides an overview of the official channels which are currently available.

Pull Requests

Pull Requests are the primary way to get your changes into NixOS and nixpkgs. Pull Requests generally contain package updates or changes in the NixOS module system. Use Getting Involved ->Create pull requests as a Guide on how to create your first PR, all you need is a Github account.

Alternatives

Due to the fact that nixpkgs is only a nix expression it is possible to extend or replace the logic with your own sources. In fact, there are a number of extensions as well as complete replacements for Nixpkgs, see the Alternative Package Sets article.