I feel like I learned more about linux and my computer by installing arch (before we had the neat installer we have now). So for me, arch is a better learning tool. I do really like nix (havent used it myself, but Im a functional programmer and declarative configuration is my jam) but it’s definitely a better way of managing an installation than arch I imagine. My next distro if arch ever fails me will be an immutable distro, Nix is definitely top 3 for me that I reach for
I’m talking about day to day usage. Arch installation is a good learning experience, but running it for me was more trouble than it’s worth.
The worst issue I’ve had so far with nix is an update failing before it’s applied because of some package. Meanwhile arch would regularly update, and then fail to boot or break something.
I gave up on arch after a few years when I had to literally weigh whether -S or -Syu would be more likely to mess up my system while I was working abroad.
I feel like I learned more about linux and my computer by installing arch (before we had the neat installer we have now). So for me, arch is a better learning tool. I do really like nix (havent used it myself, but Im a functional programmer and declarative configuration is my jam) but it’s definitely a better way of managing an installation than arch I imagine. My next distro if arch ever fails me will be an immutable distro, Nix is definitely top 3 for me that I reach for
I’m talking about day to day usage. Arch installation is a good learning experience, but running it for me was more trouble than it’s worth.
The worst issue I’ve had so far with nix is an update failing before it’s applied because of some package. Meanwhile arch would regularly update, and then fail to boot or break something.
I gave up on arch after a few years when I had to literally weigh whether -S or -Syu would be more likely to mess up my system while I was working abroad.