Proposal: Reproducible Environments with the Nix Packaging System

[serahkiburu]

Title of the session: Reproducible Environments with the Nix Packaging System

Session details

• Session type: Workshop

• Keywords: instructor-training, packaging, reproducible-research, software-homogeneity

• Permission to record this session: Yes

Abstract

The issue of dependency management is one which is of interest to all scientists and researchers who wish to develop reproducible results with software. The Nix package management system is one which is cross-platform and will enable the instructors to pin their dependencies to mimic perfectly, the environment of the learners, as a very basic example see https://github.com/HaoZeke/nixCarp. It is a more robust, secure and lightweight alternative to using a docker container and is a very important pedagogical tool as well. The workshop would cover the generation of nix-pkg derivations, which being written as they are in a functional style of programming, needs some description. Furthermore it would cover the best practices of the nix community when it comes to using the nix-shell environments. My experience as a nixpkg manager would let me communicate this tool to my fellow instructors and those at the event. I feel like this would be very beneficial to the audience. Nix, like git is a deep and complicated tool, but which can be used to reap fantastic dividends with a low learning curve if taught correctly.

Personal details

• Name or pseudoname of the session lead: Rohit Goswami

• Co-leads' names (we recommend involving 2 helpers/co-leads): Amrita Goswami (@amritagos)

• Email or other ways to contact the session leads/co-leads: Email

• Country of residence and/or compatible Time Zones (provide options): Iceland,India

• Would you like to present this multiple times, in other time zones: UTC+00:00 and UTC+05:30

• Would you like to volunteer to be listed as a wrangler/host for your time zone: Contact me with more details

Is there any help you would like to invite from the community? Please provide below in bullet points.

Am happy to accept help from the community in the following areas:

• [ ] Co-lead
• [ ] Speaker
• [ ] Helper
• Other comment: There will be a hands-on focus on working with Python packages, due to time constraints.

[serahkiburu]

Hi @HaoZeke, thanks for agreeing to run your workshop remotely for CarpentryCon@Home. Please add details about your session to the sections with information pending above by editing the issue text.

[HaoZeke]

Hi @serahrono; Sorry for the delay; I don't seem to have edit access at the moment..

[serahkiburu]

Hi Rohit 👋 I have given you write access.

[ousodaniel]

@HaoZeke thanks for your interest in regional hosting, check out the details here please. We'd love to see you sign up. Best

[serahkiburu]

Hi @HaoZeke, the organising committee reviewed this session proposal and had this to say:

This seems like a useful tool for members of the Carpentries community - especially those currently doing research. In order for the session to go forward, it's important that there be enough helpers - especially if there are more than 8-10 participants. We recommend having a plan for recruiting more help in this case.

We are looking forward to your session, and more details i.e. around scheduling will be shared with you in the coming days. Let me know if I can answer any questions or clarify anything for the time being.