Hey everyone! I’m kinda lost with all the different ways to set up Node.js and manage npm packages on nixOS. It’s driving me crazy!
I’ve seen people suggest using nix-shells, but come on, that seems like overkill. Do I really need to fire up a nix-shell for every tiny project? That’s just too much hassle.
What I’m really after is a solid, efficient way to install Node.js (including different versions) and npm packages system-wide. You know, something that won’t make me pull my hair out every time I start a new project.
So, I’m turning to you experienced devs out there. What’s your tried-and-true method for handling this? Any tips or tricks you’ve picked up along the way? I’d love to hear about your real-world solutions!
Thanks in advance for sharing your wisdom. I’m all ears!
I’ve been using NixOS for a while now, and I’ve found that the most efficient way to manage Node.js and npm packages is through the use of nix-env. It’s a bit different from traditional package managers, but it’s incredibly powerful once you get the hang of it.
For global Node.js installation, I use:
nix-env -iA nixos.nodejs
This installs Node.js system-wide, and you can easily switch between versions by specifying the version number.
As for global npm packages, I actually avoid them as much as possible. Instead, I prefer to use npx for one-off commands or include the packages as dev dependencies in my projects. This approach has saved me from a lot of version conflicts and unexpected behavior.
If you absolutely need global packages, you can still use npm, but be aware that it might not play as nicely with the NixOS environment. In those cases, I’ve found it helpful to create a separate nix expression for my development environment, which includes all the global tools I need.
yo, i feel ya on the nix-shell hassle. but heres a trick - use nvm (node version manager) with nix. its pretty sweet. just add nvm to ur system packages, then u can easily switch node versions. for global npm stuff, i usually stick to local installs per project. keeps things clean n avoids conflicts. give it a shot!
I’ve been using NixOS for a couple of years now, and I totally get your frustration. Here’s what’s worked for me: I actually ditched the idea of global installations altogether. Instead, I use nix-shell with a default.nix file in each project. It might seem like overkill at first, but trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Here’s why: It gives you perfect isolation for each project. No more version conflicts, no more ‘it works on my machine’ issues. Plus, it’s actually faster to set up than you might think. I’ve got a template default.nix that I just copy into new projects.
For quick one-offs, I use nix-shell -p nodejs to spin up a temporary environment with Node.js. It’s surprisingly quick and doesn’t clutter your system.
This approach has saved me countless headaches. It’s a bit of a mindset shift, but once you embrace it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Give it a shot - you might be pleasantly surprised!