Talk:NixOS-based distributions

Criteria for a distribution

I'm starting this topic to try and create a working definition of what a "distribution" is in the context of NixOS.

You could argue that everyone's own personal configuration is a distribution, but I'm not sure that that will cut it on its own.

Currently, here is what I am proposing as a the definition of "NixOS distribution" for the purposes of being on this list, please feel free to add your own considerations.

(In my opinion) Distributions Are

- Independent projects

- Created or managed by any number of people

- With a specific vision of what their project should be that is significantly different than stock NixOS (i.e., it should be somewhat opinionated and/or be trying to achieve something that NixOS is not providing, or is difficult to provide in its unmodified state)

- that makes significant use of nix, nix theory and store-based package management (as in the case of Guix), nixpkgs, or nix tooling

Of course, this is just one person's opinion. I might miss stuff! So I am open to any other alternative interpretations. Abmurrow (talk) 21:20, 1 June 2026 (UTC)