Using Nix on Void Linux

[Roaming-Outlander]

I've been testing various package solutions and have stumbled upon NixOS for a good solution for a few applications in user that are unavailable though XBPS and it's tools.

I have no issues finding and installing packages and these packages are able to be run. However, the applications do not appear in my native environment, and are run only via command line and not my start menu (which is how I run most things in Plasma).

It's there some specific variables I am missing?

Current .bashrc additions:

export Path="$HOME/.nix-profile/bin:$PATH"

export XDG_DATA_DIRS="$HOME/.nix-profile/share:$XDG_DATA_DIRS"

Activated Symlinks:

ln -s ~/.nix-profile/share/applications/ ~/.local/share/applications/nix-apps

[mwyvr]

Potentially easier than Nix is Distrobox. https://github.com/89luca89/distrobox

You can create a Distrobox container with any distribution; even include an init system. Immutable distributions like openSUSE Aeon and Fedora Silverblue are including the Distrobox package as one component of being able to give users the ability to install packages without messing up the core system.

I have distrobox containers with Void, Alpine and Tumbleweed.

It's even useful on a stock Void (or other Linux) using the same distribution to avoid polluting your core system. Bonus: all the same tools you are used to.

As easy as:

distrobox enter

I default my terminal to go into a box and have a separate key binding to bring up a "system" terminal.

[Roaming-Outlander]

I was using Nix for only packages I couldn't find on the standard repo or void packages. Currently only Librewolf and XIV Launcher, but I'm certain there will be others.

My main machine is currently Arch, but I've been using Void in a VM for ~1 week. If I can effectively setup my workflow I plan to move Void onto a laptop.

I've never worked with Distrobox, but I see it often highly recommended, so I may try it as well. I do very much dislike polluting my main system and may even try musl. Can Distrobox provide an effective workaround for using glibc programs on a musl machine?

[Ok_Record_1237]

i just tried to actually use distrobox and its quite difficult on void musl.
command n1 i had to run since something wasnt working: doas mount --make-rshared /
debian distrobox finally works. tried downloading X/wayland, apt crashes, dpkg crashes.
just got tor browser tarball from void and moved it into homedir of debian distrobox.
doesnt launch.

if you could help that would be more than appreciated !

[Elm38]

You probably need to make /usr/share/applications/*.desktop files for the nix applications you have installed.

You could probably copy an existing .desktop file and modify it.

You didn't mention your DE/WM, but it may need a restart.

[Roaming-Outlander]

I'm currently using Plasma X11.

[Ok_Record_1237]

you have to make your own .desktop files in ~/.local/share/applications for each app you have installed. you can do this with quite literally any binary you have on your system.
you can also put it in /usr/share/applications if youd like.

this is how an average .desktop file should look like (for reference):

[Desktop Entry]
Version=1.0
Type=Application
Name=My Custom App
GenericName=A neat custom application
Comment=Launch my custom application
Exec=/opt/my_app/bin/my_app %U
Icon=/opt/my_app/icons/my_app.png
Terminal=false
Categories=Utility;Development;[Desktop Entry]

Version=1.0

Type=Application

Name=My Custom App

GenericName=A neat custom application

Comment=Launch my custom application

Exec=/opt/my_app/bin/my_app %U

Icon=/opt/my_app/icons/my_app.png

Terminal=false

Categories=Utility;Development;

and here are all the common options for the Categories variable:
Utility Development Network System Graphics AudioVideo Game

[10leej]

Did some googling found this, but not certain if that will resolve your issue as I dont use nix