nix-darwin configuration

Declarative macOS configuration using nix-darwin, home-manager, and flakes.

Prerequisites

1. Install Nix:

   curl -fsSL https://install.determinate.systems/nix | sh -s -- install

2. Install Homebrew (for GUI applications):

   /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Setup

First time on a new machine:

# 1. Test the build first
nix run nix-darwin -- build --flake .#$(hostname | cut -d. -f1)

# 2. If build succeeds, apply the configuration
sudo nix run nix-darwin -- switch --flake .#$(hostname | cut -d. -f1)

# 3. Set up git hooks
make init

# 4. Restart shell
exec zsh

After initial setup (regular usage):

sudo make switch   # Apply configuration changes
make build         # Test without applying
make update        # Update flake inputs
make check         # Validate flake
make fmt           # Format nix files

Adding Packages

CLI tools: Add to modules/common.nix

GUI apps: Add to modules/darwin.nix under homebrew.casks

Language toolchains: Use per-project nix dev shells instead of global installs.

Troubleshooting

Git signing fails: Ensure 1Password is running with SSH agent enabled

Homebrew not found: Restart terminal after initial activation

Changes not applying: Some preferences require logout/restart

References

• nix-darwin
• home-manager