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Install Packages from NixOS Unstable on Stable Channel: Easy Guide

2 min read 6 months ago

Published on Jun 03, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

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How to Install Packages from NixOS Unstable on Stable Channel

Step 1: Check Current Channel

Open a terminal window.
Run the command sudo nix-channel --list to confirm that you are on the stable channel (e.g., nios 23.11).

Step 2: Find Package Versions

Visit the n.org website and search for the package you want to install (e.g., Go).
Note the version available on the stable channel (e.g., 1.121.9) and the version on the unstable channel.

Step 3: Edit Configuration File

Open the Nix configuration file using the command sudo vi /etc/nixos/configuration.nix.
Locate the section with config and packages.

Add the following lines:

let
  unstable = {
    Channel = "unstable";
  };

Save the configuration file.

Step 4: Install Package from Unstable Channel

In the configuration file, find the section for system packages.
Replace the stable version with the unstable version by changing go to unstable.go.
Save the changes to the file.

Step 5: Update Channels

Run sudo nix-channel --update unstable to add the unstable channel to the Nix search path.
If you encounter an error, run sudo nix-channel --update to fix it.

Step 6: Update Channels and Packages

Run sudo nixos-rebuild switch to update the channels and packages.
If needed, run sudo nixos-rebuild switch --upgrade to ensure all packages are updated.

Step 7: Verify Installation

Run go version to confirm that you are now using the latest version of the package from the unstable channel.

By following these steps, you can easily install packages from the NixOS unstable channel on the stable channel of your system.

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