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Aux.computer: An Alternative to the Nix Ecosystem

aux.computer

31–37 of 37 posts

Re: Aux.computer: An Alternative to the Nix Ecosystem

#31
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hi, I (Jake Hamilton) am. Though, this is not an effort that can be undertaken by one person. My goal is publishing this page was to create a set of values, goals, and a roadmap for people (like myself) who would otherwise be leaving the Nix ecosystem due to its shortcomings. These values, goals, and roadmap can then be used for alignment to actually make it a reality. I worried that if these things weren't specified…

The Microsoft GitHub requirement is the only reason that I do not contribute to NixPkgs except by sending a mail to a maintainer sometimes. Everything I package stays in my own flakes. If a community arose that hosts its own repo or is hosted at e.g. CodeBerg, I would contribute.

This has been a tough one to figure out. I do not think there is a great answer here. GitHub has a large network of people and the barrier to contributing there is fairly low. Cost is also subsidized greatly by GitHub. Nixpkgs being one of the largest and most active repositories on the entire platform would certainly strain any self-hosted or otherwise unprepared service. However, the benefits of a FOSS git forge with commitments to federation and values similar to this project also exist. Perhaps the answer here is to begin on GitHub to ease initial contributions and concerns over cost and to later transition to something like Codeberg.

Re: Aux.computer: An Alternative to the Nix Ecosystem

#33
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Microsoft GitHub requirement is the only reason that I do not contribute to NixPkgs except by sending a mail to a maintainer sometimes. Everything I package stays in my own flakes. If a community arose that hosts its own repo or is hosted at e.g. CodeBerg, I would contribute.

This has been a tough one to figure out. I do not think there is a great answer here. GitHub has a large network of people and the barrier to contributing there is fairly low. Cost is also subsidized greatly by GitHub. Nixpkgs being one of the largest and most active repositories on the entire platform would certainly strain any self-hosted or otherwise unprepared service. However, the benefits of a FOSS git forge wi…

Migrating off of GitHub once established is very hard in practice. That is why so many projects have stayed there. But asking people to make a Microsoft GitHub account when your Goal 1. is 'Independent' starts the project off with not following its own goals.

People might be hesitant to open an account at the hoster of the aux.computer infrastructure, so aux.computer could offer the option of logging in with a Microsoft GitHub account.

The Linux kernel, GNOME, KDE, Debian, Blender and more host they own forge. It's not a very heavy service. Running aux.computer infrastructure on aux.computer OS is a good showcase of the project.

Re: Aux.computer: An Alternative to the Nix Ecosystem

#34
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Hi, I (Jake Hamilton) am. Though, this is not an effort that can be undertaken by one person. My goal is publishing this page was to create a set of values, goals, and a roadmap for people (like myself) who would otherwise be leaving the Nix ecosystem due to its shortcomings. These values, goals, and roadmap can then be used for alignment to actually make it a reality. I worried that if these things weren't specified…

The Microsoft GitHub requirement is the only reason that I do not contribute to NixPkgs except by sending a mail to a maintainer sometimes. Everything I package stays in my own flakes. If a community arose that hosts its own repo or is hosted at e.g. CodeBerg, I would contribute.

Nixpkgs used to live outside GitHub. Migration to GitHub massively increased incoming contributions. Frankly, I don't think migrating away or choosing not to use it would be worth it.

Re: Aux.computer: An Alternative to the Nix Ecosystem

#35
The thing that could immediately doom any Nix fork was how many people saw a general movement towards that, and then decided this was their moment to champion whatever pet axe-to-grind they have with the original projects, no matter whether it was technical, social, ideological. They often share these concerns as a criteria they would need in order to adopt or contribute to a fork.

Many such wishes I've seen proposed are big departures and would alienate different sets of people, or pose notable practical/logistical challenges to fulfill. Resources and time are already going to be stretched super thin as it is.

The early days of a community fork, and establishing a sense of fresh unity, are absolutely critical. Anything that divides folks further by way of fractal levels of tribalism merely drains its lifeblood while it's still finding its feet and its identity.

Re: Aux.computer: An Alternative to the Nix Ecosystem

#36
post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe they should find another project to contribute to. And, yeah, this is how we dance in Bulgaria [0] - on embers! [0]: https://nestinari.bg/en/history/

you're complaining that they literally started another project to contribute to.

There's a difference about "starting anew" and "forking." As I mentioned, many projects have no option due to licensing changes, but they should try harder to fix the personal issues.

Re: Aux.computer: An Alternative to the Nix Ecosystem

#37
post #25
post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe they should find another project to contribute to. And, yeah, this is how we dance in Bulgaria [0] - on embers! [0]: https://nestinari.bg/en/history/

Why would they find another project? Are you under the assumption these are not established members of the Nix community complaining, but some "invaders" as alluded to in the RFC 175 supplements? Because that's untrue. Many have been putting up with the deteriorating situation for years, very stoic, but not healthy or fun.

Many had issues with Linus Torvalds as well - there's nothing new under the sun!
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