prepare `finix` for general use

[aanderse]

interest has been expressed in running finix, both experimentally and on hardware - currently there is no straight forward method of installation that is suitable for users

let's improve the situation with the following:

running for testing purpose

• document how to run finix in qemu, virtualbox, container, etc...

installing on hardware

• create a boot loader module (limine seems like a good first target)
• integrate a boot loader install script into the system closure
• document installation steps

[aanderse]

i had never worked with limine before so tonight i installed limine on my spare laptop, replacing grub, and modified my generation script to produce limine.conf instead of grub/custom.cfg, populating my boot loader with all generations

from here it should be relatively straight forward to create a limine module for finix 🤞

[v217]

Even though limine has not all the features of grub, it's really a pleasure to use, because you don't get lost in endless docs. In fact, all the docs one needs, fit on about one page!
I have to admit I tried to install finix, but without luck, and the nix docs are overwhelming, especially for a beginner.

I am also interested in this init system https://github.com/leahneukirchen/nitro, it seems to be useful especially for read-only roots, e.g., https://github.com/leahneukirchen/jackinabox

Thanks!

[aanderse]

i have put some initial work into modifying the nixos limine script, but i have been mostly focused on mdevd support - i am very happy with mdevd support now so i should turn my attention back to limine soon

and yes, i am interested in utilizing nitro - likely as a service manager for the initramfs (stage 1)

[aanderse]

i finally pushed myself to add a boot loader module - limine is now supported in finix

the next step is to integrate the boot loader code into the system so it is easily usable... i guess we could benefits from a nixos-rebuild finix-rebuild command now, that would make it nice to use the boot loader

[aanderse]

finix-rebuild now exists!

this means that the user experience is relatively on par with nixos! running finix-rebuild boot or switch will automatically add boot entries to limine boot loader and you're smooth sailing

docs on installation are next on the list, but at this point if someone wanted to install finix on a spare computer they should feel free to try it out

[aanderse]

sorry i haven't got back to this 😮‍💨

but as of a few days ago finix-rebuild has been replaced with nixos-rebuild, and you can install finix with nixos-install! anyone motivated to should feel free to install finix using nixos-install

feel free to browse my config for inspiration

[v217]

Great, thanks! I’ll give it a try. In the meantime I’ve had some time to get a bit familiar with Nix.

[X-49]

@aanderse Does finix require a fresh system installation, or is it possible to convert an existing NixOS system to finix? I understand that the project isn’t quite ready yet, but I’d be interested in trying out NixOS without systemd in the foreseeable future; such an installation is more versatile than the GNU Guix distribution.

By the way, it would be great to see a quick guide on migrating from NixOS with systemd to finix 🙂

[aanderse]

@X-49 yes you can convert a nixos installation to a finix installation. if you have a nixosConfigurations.my-nixos-system = nixpkgs.lib.nixosSystem { ... }; in your flake.nix you could add a nixosConfigurations.my-finix-system = finix.lib.finixSystem { ... }; and build your new configuration there... one nixos-rebuild --sudo boot --flake .#my-finix-system later and you'll be good to go 🚀

one extra point to mention though... it isn't a great idea to reuse your nixos / partition... i'm sure a shared /var and possibly /etc isn't going to end well in a number of cases... so have a separate / for each system!

[etrigan63]

I too am interested in this. Partly because Nix makes rebuilding my system a breeze (once you win the configuration.nix battle) and partly because your setup (niri+noctalia-shell) is my current preferred environment for my laptop. Two questions: are flakes required? (I ask because flakes and home-manager are utterly indecipherable to me and I prefer to keep things simple in one configuration.nix file) and is there an ISO planned in the near future?

[aanderse]

are flakes required?

no, flakes are not required... but

and I prefer to keep things simple in one configuration.nix file

currently to install without flakes you will still require a default.nix type file which calls finixSystem (instead of the default pkgs.nixos) - if you never built a nixos system using nixos-rebuild --file ... --attr ... then you should read up on the documentation

maybe i should spend some improving the pure channel workflow... maybe that is still desirable 👍

is there an ISO planned in the near future?

i looked at what it would take to make an installer with calamares and it looks very possible. this isn't currently on my list of things to do, but it might get there at some point. finix is receiving contributions at this point so maybe someone will want to work on this.

---

if you are interested in installing finix please feel free to stop by the discord channel and i am happy to help you get started, even walk you through an install if desired

[etrigan63]

RTFM is never a good answer for me regarding Nix/NixOS. I only get more confused the more I look at it and I am a retired IT professional. I have suggested that a site should be setup with "cookbook" style of instructions with well commented configuration files already set up to do things people would want to do. This was met with scorn and derision as the Nix community wanted to continue the cycle of abuse.

[aanderse]

understood and apologies if that is how my wording came across. i want finix to be useful and useable by those who are interested in it 👍

it sounds like the channel workflow is valuable to you so i will definitely take a look and see if i can fit finix into your workflow nicely. i will report back when i have news for you. thanks for your feedback!

[etrigan63]

Thank you for tolerating my little rant. I'm sorry I came across as hostile. Where is the link to the Discord?