nix-shell.2

provides ad-hoc development environments

TLDR

Quick package shell

$ nix-shell -p [package]

Shell with multiple packages

$ nix-shell -p [git] [curl] [jq]

Execute and exit

$ nix-shell -p [ripgrep] --run "rg pattern"

From expression

$ nix-shell -E "with import <nixpkgs> {}; mkShell { buildInputs = [hello]; }"

SYNOPSIS

nix-shell [options]

DESCRIPTION

nix-shell provides ad-hoc development environments. This is alternate documentation.The tool is essential for quick environment setup. No permanent changes.

PARAMETERS

-p PKG

Add package to shell.

--run CMD

Run command and exit.

-E EXPR

Evaluate expression.

--help

Display help information.

INSTALL

sudo apt install nix-bin

sudo dnf install nix

sudo pacman -S nix

sudo apk add nix

sudo zypper install nix

nix profile install nixpkgs#nix

CAVEATS

Downloads packages. Network required. Uses Nix store.

HISTORY

nix-shell is a foundational Nix tool for reproducible development environments.