Everyday Use of GNU Guix
VIDEO AVAILABLE: https://media.marusich.info/everyday-use-of-gnu-guix-chris-marusich-seagl-2018.webm
In this talk, I will introduce GNU Guix: a liberating, dependable, and hackable package manager that follows the “purely functional software deployment model” pioneered by Nix.
I will demonstrate some common use cases of Guix and show you how I use it in my everyday life. In addition, I will briefly explain the basic idea behind the functional model and how it enables Guix to provide useful features like the following:
- Transactional upgrades and roll-back of installed software.
- Unprivileged users can simultaneously install multiple versions of software.
- Transparently build from source or download pre-built binaries.
- Installed software is bootstrappable, trustable, and auditable all the way down to your compiler’s compiler.
- Eliminates an entire class of “works on my system” type problems.
No prior knowledge of Guix, Nix, or the functional model is required. When you leave this talk, I hope you will have a basic understanding of what Guix is, how to use it, and why it will help make your life brighter.
Presenters
Chris Marusich
Hi! My name is Chris, and I’m a software developer living in Seattle. In the past, I’ve also been a systems engineer and a customer service representative. I love a good cup of coffee, and currently my favorite cafe is Anchorhead Coffee.
I first became interested in GNU/Linux and freedom-respecting software when I began to dip my toes into the world of programming around 2011. Despite the fact that I didn’t go to school for programming, GNU/Linux and freedom-respecting software have helped me to harness my curiosity and passion for computers and turn it into a career.
In my personal time, I occasionally contribute to the fantastic GNU Guix project. I hope that by contributing to freedom-respecting software projects and participating in events like SeaGL, I can give back to the community that has given me so much.
I look forward to seeing you at SeaGL 2018!