Nixpkgs
A huge collection of software packages plus NixOS, a Linux distribution built on Nix.
- Stars
- 26.7k
- Forks
- 20.6k
- Licence
- MIT
- Language
- Nix
- Last update
- 4 days ago
- Type
- Other
What it is
Nixpkgs is a collection of over 140,000 software packages that can be installed with the Nix package manager. It also implements NixOS, a purely-functional Linux distribution. The README describes it as the core repository of the Nix ecosystem, with build and test results published through the Hydra CI system.
- Install a wide range of command-line and desktop software through the Nix package manager
- Read the NixOS Manual to install and configure a NixOS system
- Use Nix channels to get tested, published package versions
- Contribute package updates or fixes through GitHub issues and pull requests
Great for
- Linux users who want a large, reproducible package set
- Developers who need many tools available through one package manager
- People interested in running NixOS as their operating system
- Contributors who want to help maintain packages or the distribution
Not ideal for
- Users who want a simple, point-and-click installer, since the README points to a manual for setup and configuration
- People looking for a single small app rather than a large collection, because the scope is very broad
How to get it
- 1
See the README
You'll need: Nix package manager, or a NixOS installation
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs - 2
Run it
- Read the NixOS Manual or Nixpkgs Manual linked in the README
- Install the Nix package manager following the Nix manual
- Install or configure NixOS if you want a full operating system
- Ask on the Discourse forum or Matrix chat if you get stuck
- 3
Get the most out of it
- Use the NixOS Manual to learn configuration for a full system
- Follow the Nixpkgs Manual to write or update packages
- Check the Hydra build status pages to see which packages are currently tested
- Join the community chat listed in the README for help
Downloads
Strengths
- Very large package collection, over 140,000 packages according to the README
- Builds and tests are run through public CI, with artifacts published to a binary cache
- Community with forums, chat, and a wiki listed in the README
Trade-offs
- The README is truncated and gives little detail on installation steps, so setup needs the linked manuals
- The MIT license covers only the repository files; packages keep their own licenses
How it compares
| Project | Stars | Type | Level | Updated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nixpkgs (this) | 26.7k | Other | intermediate | 4 days ago | Linux users who want a large, reproducible package set |
| home-manager | 10.5k | Dev tool | advanced | 6 days ago | People already using Nix or NixOS who want their user environment managed the same way |
| PowerShell | 56k | CLI | beginner | 4 days ago | Developers who script or automate tasks across Windows, Linux, and macOS |
| wasmer | 21.2k | Dev tool | intermediate | 4 days ago | Developers who want to run untrusted or third-party code with explicit access controls |
| redox | 16.7k | Other | advanced | 1 months ago | Developers interested in operating system design and microkernels |
| electron-builder | 14.7k | Dev tool | intermediate | 4 days ago | Developers shipping an Electron app to end users on several operating systems |
Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.