Question 1

How do I install nil on NixOS?

Accepted Answer

nil is available in nixpkgs; use commands like 'nix-env -iA nixpkgs.nil' or 'nix profile install nixpkgs#nil' as per the README, making installation straightforward for NixOS users.

Question 2

nil vs rnix-lsp: which is better for Nix development?

Accepted Answer

nil focuses on incremental analysis and flake support for faster feedback, while rnix-lsp might offer different features; choose based on your need for real-time diagnostics and editor integration.

Question 3

How to configure nil to use a formatter like alejandra?

Accepted Answer

Modify the formatting command in your editor's settings, such as in VSCode's serverSettings or Neovim's lspconfig, by replacing 'nixfmt' with 'alejandra', as shown in the configuration examples.

Question 4

Does nil work with non-flake Nix projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nil can analyze non-flake projects, but it optimizes for flakes by recognizing flake.nix as project roots, so some features might be less effective without flakes.

Question 5

What are the performance implications of using nil with Neovim?

Accepted Answer

There is a known issue where semantic highlighting can slow down Neovim; consider disabling it or using alternative LSP clients if performance is critical, as noted in the README.

Question 6

How to troubleshoot nil not starting in my editor?

Accepted Answer

Ensure nil is in your PATH and check the editor-specific configuration snippets in the README, such as for VSCode or Neovim, to verify settings like server path and file types.

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