Start with one tool.
Nix is the package manager used by NixOS. You can install it without installing NixOS.
That gives you a smaller place to begin: a command you need today, or the tools for one project.
Upstream references (2)
Borrow ripgrep for a shell.
Prerequisite: Nix is installed and Nixpkgs is available through your Nix search path.
nix-shell -p ripgrepIn that shell, rg is available. Type exit when you are finished. This does not add ripgrep to your system-wide package list; downloaded store files can remain until garbage collection.
The package version comes from your configured Nixpkgs source. This quick example does not pin it.
A Nix shell supplies tools. It is not a security sandbox for running untrusted programs.
Upstream references (3)
Give each project its own tools.
One project needs a compiler. Another needs a different toolchain. Put the dependencies in the project instead of relying on a long list of manual setup instructions.
Pin the package source when you need the setup to stay on a known revision.
Upstream references (2)
Three names, three different things.
Nix is the package manager and build tool. The name is also used for its expression language.
Nixpkgs is the collection of package definitions and libraries used by Nix and NixOS.
NixOS is the Linux distribution built around them.