What is Nix?
Nix is a software system for the management of software packages.
In some contexts, Nix is a term used to mean NixOS, the computer operating system based on the Nix package management system.
In other contexts, Nix refers to the Nix programming language, which is used to declare expressions which are instantiated into software artifacts.
Finally, the term Nix is sometimes used to refer to Nixpkgs, the largest single set of packages defined for the Nix package management system.
Correct Usage
Nix = Package manager
NixOS = Operating system
Nix expression = Programming language
Nixpkgs = Particular set of Nix expressions (packages)
To Learn More
- Blog post: A Gentle Introduction to the Nix family
- Video: Intro to Nix (presentation and discussion) (1h 23m)
- Nix manual: Nix Package Manager Guide