Raito Bezarius
5f50741ce9
This feature allows calling external binaries starting with `lix-` as subcommands directly within the `lix` CLI, similar to how Git handles external commands. For example, a binary named `lix-example` can now be invoked using `lix example`. This change opens up the possibility for broader community-driven extensions of the Lix CLI, offering flexibility that Flakes has somewhat restricted by centralizing certain features around its own model of dependency management. By enabling users to introduce custom subcommands, we encourage experimentation and diverse workflows, addressing the needs of those who seek more modular, feature-rich approaches to package management and system configuration beyond what Flakes currently offers [1] [2] [3]. This adds `lix` as a new binary to be able to use this feature. [1]: https://github.com/nmattia/niv [2]: https://github.com/andir/npins [3]: https://github.com/nikstur/lon Change-Id: Ic6344424a6a46fc9fb30432f00e21c3509659f8a Signed-off-by: Raito Bezarius <raito@lix.systems>
38 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
38 lines
1.4 KiB
Markdown
---
|
|
synopsis: "`lix foo` now invokes `lix-foo` from PATH"
|
|
cls: [2119]
|
|
category: Features
|
|
credits: raito
|
|
---
|
|
|
|
Lix introduces the ability to extend the Nix command line by adding custom
|
|
binaries to the `PATH`, similar to how Git integrates with other tools. This
|
|
feature allows developers and end users to enhance their workflow by
|
|
integrating additional functionalities directly into the Nix CLI.
|
|
|
|
#### Examples
|
|
|
|
For example, a user can create a custom deployment tool, `lix-deploy-tool`, and
|
|
place it in their `PATH`. This allows them to execute `lix deploy-tool`
|
|
directly from the command line, streamlining the process of deploying
|
|
applications without needing to switch contexts or use separate commands.
|
|
|
|
#### Limitations
|
|
|
|
For now, autocompletion is supported to discover new custom commands, but the
|
|
documentation will not render them. Argument autocompletion of the custom
|
|
command is not supported either.
|
|
|
|
This is also locked behind a new experimental feature called
|
|
`lix-custom-sub-commands` to enable developing all the required features.
|
|
|
|
Only the top-level `lix` command can be extended, this is an artificial
|
|
limitation for the time being until we flesh out this feature.
|
|
|
|
#### Outline
|
|
|
|
In the future, this feature may pave the way for moving the Flake subcommand
|
|
line to its own standalone binary, allowing for a more focused approach to
|
|
managing Nix Flakes while letting the community explore alternatives to
|
|
dependency management.
|