nix-shell:tldr:0fb2c

nix-shell: Start with nix expression in `shell.nix` or `default.nix` in the current directory.

nix-shell

$ nix-shell

try on your machine

The nix-shell command is used in the Nix package manager to create an isolated development environment with specific dependencies and configurations.

When executing the nix-shell command, it analyzes the shell.nix file present in the current directory (if it exists) and sets up an interactive shell environment with the packages and environment variables defined in that file. The shell.nix file specifies the dependencies and environment for the project, including packages, libraries, and other configurations.

By running nix-shell, you enter an environment where you have access to all the packages and libraries specified in the shell.nix file within your current directory. This allows you to execute commands or run scripts with the appropriate versions and configurations of the required dependencies.

It's often used in development workflows where specific package and environment configurations are necessary, especially when working with projects that use the Nix package manager.

This explanation was created by an AI. In most cases those are correct. But please always be careful and never run a command you are not sure if it is safe.

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