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Run “nix flake update”. Commit the lockfile. Build a docker image from that; the software you need is almost certainly there, and there’s a handy docker helper.

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Recently I’ve been noticing that Nix software has been falling behind. So “the software you need is almost certainly there” is less true these days. Recently = April 2026.

Are you referring to how the nixpkgs-unstable branch hasn't been updated in the past five days? Or do you have some specific software in mind? (not arguing, just curious)

It’s a variety of different software that just isn’t updated very often.

I don’t mind being somewhat behind, but it seems like there are a lot of packages that don’t get regular updates. It’s okay to have packages that aren’t updated, but those packages should be clearly distinguishable.

That's been an issue for years from my impression of the state of NixOS. There are other problems too, like a lot of open source packages doing straight binary downloads instead of actually building the software.

oh, great, adding more dependency, and one that just had serious security problem

as if other sandboxing software is perfect

Nothing is perfect. (FreeBSD jails come close but still no.)

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