Declarative Linux with Nix & NixOS

Speaker: Alec Ramsey‑Spencer

Room: CC 236

Time: Sun 9:30 am – 10:00 am

Format: Lecture (30 Min + Q&A)

Difficulty: Some experience required

Track: Development & Dev Tools

Presenter Location: In-person

Experience: first time speaking

Description:

This talk introduces the power of declarative system management using the Nix package manager and Nix flakes. Alec will walk through how Nix enables reproducible, consistent system configurations — from development environments to full system builds — and how flakes provide a modern, structured way to manage those configurations.

The session also covers what NixOS is, how it differs from traditional Linux distributions, and why people are increasingly using it for both servers and desktops. Attendees will see real‑world examples of how declarative configuration can simplify system management, reduce drift, and make experimentation safer.

Target Audience:

Linux users and sysadmins with basic Linux experience