

25.05 Reasons to NixOS | LINUX Unplugged 615
May 18, 2025
Tristan Ross, the release manager for NixOS, dives into the exciting features of the upcoming 25.05 release. He discusses the seamless integration of the new Cosmic Desktop and significant updates like GNOME 48 and Plasma 6.3. The transition from Bash to Python for the Nix rebuild command is highlighted for its improved maintainability. They also touch on innovative tools for productivity, unique server setups with Tailscale, and reflections on the evolution of Linux systems, all delivering a mix of nostalgia and cutting-edge tech insights.
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Tristan's NixOS Setup
- Tristan Ross uses an M1 Pro MacBook running Asahi Linux with NixOS for daily tasks.
- He builds on a powerful Ampere Ultra Max server to offload resource-heavy compilation from his laptop.
NixOS Release Manager Structure
- NixOS employs two release managers simultaneously to manage knowledge transfer.
- This structure formalizes release processes in their distributed community.
Hydra: Nix's Build Farm
- Hydra is Nix's continuous integration server and build farm.
- It automates package builds and caches results across multiple machines.