Nix can also be used to build Docker images, VM images, or configure a NixOS system. Nix's packages can also be run without being installed.

Specifically for setting up a development environment? As sibling pointed out, nix shells can provide native libraries.

With nix shell, it's also possible to have the shell be strictly 'pure', in that the shell's environment will only be what's declared in the Nix shell. Having that ensures that you're not relying on environment variables you set elsewhere, or stuff you installed elsewhere.

1. It has a wider range of packages available vs asdf. Asdf can support runtimes that have an asdf plugin, whereas Nix has over 80,000 packages available in it's registry

2. Nix also handles the dependencies for the packages you want to install. If you runtime requires a compiler, specific libraries, etc, Nix will ensure those are installed.

Of course, Nix can be challenging to get started with. If you want to try Nix but find the language intimidating, you can try something like Devbox first.