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How to create an ad-hoc NixOS package in configuration.nix

I'm trying to use a NixOS package that crashes upon starting. I checked the source, it appears to derive from the .deb release. The application's provider also offers an AppImage that I'd like to experiment with, assuming it might be more reliable.

I'm wonder whether it's possible to make an ad-hoc Nix package within my configuration.nix for testing and temporary usage, prior to making/merging a PR into the official Nix package repo.

I've come across appimageTools, but I can’t find any examples on how to use it within configuration.nix. Any guidance or examples would be greatly appreciated.

Solution

  • You can use callPackage, and then just add it as a value (similar to any other package) to environment.systemPackages.

    For example:

    environment.systemPackages = [ pkgs.curl (pkgs.callPackage /path/to/default.nix {}) ];