goodluckz nix-darwin Configuration Guide
Quick Commands
Rebuild and Apply Configuration
# Full rebuild with sudo (required for system changes)
sudo darwin-rebuild switch --flake /Users/zhaoliang/LocalRepos/nix-darwin#zhaos-MacBook-Pro
# From within the repository directory
sudo darwin-rebuild switch --flake .#zhaos-MacBook-Pro
# Build without applying (preview/test)
darwin-rebuild build --flake .#zhaos-MacBook-Pro
Update Flake Inputs
# Update all inputs (nixpkgs, home-manager, nix-darwin, etc.)
nix flake update
# Update specific input only
nix flake update nixpkgs
nix flake update home-manager
# Check current input versions
nix flake metadata
Home Manager Only
home-manager switch --flake .#zhaoliang
Configuration Files
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
flake.nix |
Flake inputs and system outputs |
configuration.nix |
System packages, Homebrew, macOS defaults |
home.nix |
User programs, shell config, dotfiles |
flake.lock |
Locked dependency versions |
Adding Packages
System Packages (configuration.nix)
environment.systemPackages = with pkgs; [
vim
git
newPackage # Add here
];
Homebrew Brews (configuration.nix)
homebrew.brews = [
"gh"
"newbrew" # Add here
];
Homebrew Casks (configuration.nix)
homebrew.casks = [
"raycast"
"newcask" # Add here
];
Home Manager Programs (home.nix)
programs.newprogram = {
enable = true;
# Additional config...
};
Searching for Packages
# Search nixpkgs
nix search nixpkgs packagename
# Or use the web interface
# https://search.nixos.org/packages
# Search Homebrew
brew search packagename
Troubleshooting
Flake Parsing Errors
nix flake check
Garbage Collection
# Remove old generations
nix-collect-garbage -d
# Remove generations older than 30 days
sudo nix-collect-garbage --delete-older-than 30d
Rollback
# List generations
darwin-rebuild --list-generations
# Switch to previous generation
sudo darwin-rebuild switch --rollback
Workflow
- Edit
configuration.nixorhome.nix - Test build:
darwin-rebuild build --flake .#zhaos-MacBook-Pro - Apply:
sudo darwin-rebuild switch --flake .#zhaos-MacBook-Pro - Commit changes:
git add . && git commit -m "description"
Apps Not Available via Nix or Homebrew
These apps must be installed manually (Mac App Store or direct download):
| App | Reason | Install Method |
|---|---|---|
| Ulysses | Mac App Store only | mas install 1225570693 |
| MacDroid | Not in Homebrew | Direct download from official site |
| Moomoo | Not in Homebrew | Direct download or App Store |
To install Mac App Store apps via CLI:
# Install mas (Mac App Store CLI)
brew install mas
# Search for an app
mas search "app name"
# Install by App ID
mas install <app-id>
# List installed apps
mas list