Setting the Stage: Context for the Curious Book Reader
This entry captures a developer’s real-time problem-solving session at the intersection of system administration, workflow automation, and human-AI collaboration. The author is working within NixOS, a unique Linux distribution where the entire operating system is defined “as code” in configuration files, a concept known as a declarative system. This provides incredible reproducibility but introduces challenges when integrating cutting-edge tools that aren’t yet officially packaged.
The central task is to move beyond a temporary setup and permanently integrate a new AI-powered command-line tool, Gemini CLI, into this declarative system, replacing Cursor AI. This involves not only telling NixOS how to install the tool but also weaving it into a custom Python script (autognome.py) that automatically arranges the author’s multi-desktop workspace on startup. The entry provides a candid, “over-the-shoulder” look at diagnosing a problem, collaborating with an AI to solve it, and reflecting on the larger philosophical shifts in a developer’s toolchain.
A House of Cards Frozen in Acrylic: The Philosophy of Declarative Systems
Yowsers, okay perhaps I started with the most difficult possible starting point for the concept of the magic rolling pin: moving files around in the Pipulate repo! Everything is so interrelated and I really liked the metaphor that I found with whether what I’ve built is fragile as it sometimes appears to me or actually very robust and I came up with a house of cards frozen in acrylic. If you’ve ever seen those curios of flowers in a globe of glass, pretty much the same thing. Something no matter how fragile can be part of something else that casts in into that position forever. Is the flower still fragile in that case?
This is absolutely the case when you set up infrastructure as code (IaC). You are defining a whole system from soup to nuts. Technically there’s still plenty of black box abstraction in there, but all the pointers to the black box parts are pointers (generally) to GitHub repos with particular hashes and so with the same immutable (unchangeable) way git hashes work and with the same transparency that git works, the black box components that your Nix system is constructed from are not very black at all but rather that same transparent acrylic that you freeze the overall system with. Nothing can’t be examined down to source.
This is not the case with Docker containers. While DockerHub does have version tags they technically can be overwritten and are not immutable. Therefore they lump everything together into one image and things could be swapped out inside that image. If you want to really freeze it you can pin by digest which is a git-like hash so you know you have all the same versions of everything but it’s all lumped together and as a developer you take it or leave it. There is no scalpel. You could switch to Canonical Ubuntu’s LXC/LXD container images but then where you’re pulling from and the immutability of the images is in even more question.
So with Nix it’s more like complete granular control down to and over the git repo by git repo hash versions you build your system from, which all in turn gets cached locally in the “nix store” so that subsequent system builds don’t even have to hit against GitHub anymore. I’m not thrilled about the Microsoft dependency this implies in NixOS but at least you can fill your shopping bag and run — all the stuff you got now in your own local store for the future. And conceivably this could be rewired from GitHub to something else if that ever turned out to be a problem. Nix is like cooking for yourself instead of going to a restaurant; not for everyone but a lot of people find joy (and health) in it.
Instead of ordering off a menu of big Docker images, Nix is the broken out list of ingredients and a robot who assembles it all for you into your meal on demand. So long as your list of ingredients and instructions on how to cook the meal stay the same, it comes out exactly right every time.
The Pain Point: When Local Experiments Break the Central Recipe
With Pipulate, I pull the recipe down from a central repository every time immediately before the robot cooks the meal because I may have tweaked the recipe a bit. But now imagine if the person tweaking the recipe is the same person telling the robot to cook the meal. It doesn’t matter how much you tweak the recipe if the robot is going to pull it down from a central repository every time. It’s going to overwrite your local copy. So you might think to yourself, okay I’ll just push that experimental meal up to the central repository so that when I ask the robot to cook it they’ll get the latest. But the problem with this is that it’s experimental and might be awful and once in the central repository everyone else pulling that meal will get the same awful experiment.
That’s what just happened with this weekend’s work and the way a coworker found Pipulate broken this morning and posted the screenshot to the entire company, haha! Needless to say I am now very motivated to solve this correctly. And that’s the subject of this article.
All my magic rolling pin work over the weekend and going back to Friday has been eradicated from the git repo main trunk. I left the experimental branch (called “ebb”) in place so I can refer to it later. I even pushed the ebb branch up to the centralized repository, just not filed under main recipe for future reference. There’s tons of learnings in there. It’s not wasted work. It’s helping me sort… helping me sort… helping me sort…
Uhhh, I guess I have to use the label “domain responsibilities.” Things are made of parts and parts to different things. The way the parts that constitute the bigger parts get lumped together one way or another — the details of which vary wildly! You might not think so, but putting a bunch of stuff into a single text-file and then organizing things within that file is one way to do it. Few people do it that way anymore but it is my favorite way. Why? Because the first thing you do is figure out which file you need to work on. If there’s only 1 file in the repo there’s never any question. And once you load that file into a text editor if you know how to jump around with it searching on keywords then you’re golden. The speed and efficiency with which you can work in a single file in a text editor like vim in simply unrivaled. You need foreknowledge of they keywords you’re going to be searching on, but once you’re familiar with the codebase — not a problem because presumably you wrote it — you move like lightning.
Of course in the modern world we break files up into smaller files. Once big
files are smaller files they start filling up the directory and some do similar
things while others are singletons with no other files like them. And so we
naturally start sorting them into folders. Folders become subfolders and before
long you need powertools like either grep in the CLI or a file-explorer with
a fuzzy-finder feature in GUI software.
Blecch! With this one simple move from using only 1-file to using multiple files you have instantly coded a dependency on powertools. Not my style at all. Of course the exception is if you can hold where everything is in your directory structure in your mind with a simple enough mental model that it all actually fits in your mind — plus you have some file navigation system that lets you jump around between files as easily as jumping around inside one file. If there’s not too many files you can load them all into tabs and master the keyboard shortcuts to jump between tabs. There are lots of approaches to this. Most people’s approaches (I believe) is to lean on power-tools. Even the vim crowd has moved to NeoVim and lean on NERDTree-like plugins with fuzzy search. Again, Blecch!
The ultimate way things are grouped into units these days are of course at that highest-most level, Docker images. Whole systems fit in Docker images and you can spin them up like having magic traveling hard drives. You’d think with my preference for single files over massive directory structures I’d like Docker images, but because Docker images are immutable (can’t be changed), it’s quite the opposite. A single-container unit is no good if you can’t edit everything inside of it. This leads to more flexible containers like Canonical Ubuntu’s mutable LXC/LXD system and I was indeed infatuated with those for awhile until I realized they caused the same bloat-explosion and Russian nesting doll of operating situation as Docker images. It just peels off one objectionable layer of containers and leaves the rest. Blecch!
Okay, so what then Mr. Smartguy? Well I hope it’s now obvious. It’s the git
folder! Inside a folder that you turn into a git repository (which adds an
invisible .git sub-folder you don’t have to think about) you could use only
one single file in there if you’re old-school like me, or you could have
whatever hierarchy you want. If that git repo contains your Nix
configuration.nix file then it defines your entire system just as if it were a
Docker image, but at a fraction of the size — just the list of ingredients and
not the fully-cooked meal. If it contains a flake.nix file then it builds just
a fraction of your system. Enough flake.nix files and you can build all the
applications on your system without a configuration.nix for the host OS,
thereby leaving that to Mac, Windows, JetPack Tegra (NVida Jetson) or whatever.
If you’re gonna have kooky driver issues for your host machine’s proprietary
hardware, don’t use NixOS (configuration.nix) just use Nix (flake.nix).
Get it? Whole systems can be built from recipes and sub-recipes. And if you’re trying to fit a square peg into a round hole by installing Linux on Mac, don’t. It’s such a friggin common issue and important now that a handful of folks are incubating their own genies in bottles at home with AI now having to migrate the genie from shell to shell like a hermit crab, some of those shells are going to be Macs and Jetson Nano’s that you don’t want to mess around with trying to replace the host OS least you lose Apple’s ecosystem and coddling or NVidia’s optimal utilization of GPU cores. If you start out on NixOS with a configuration.nix you can always deconstruct it into multiple flake.nix files when you have to don the armor shell of something wacky like a Mac.
That’s pretty much what Pipulate is. All the users in my case, my coworkers, are on Mac. So I have to keep it as Mac-friendly while still getting all the future-proofing advantages of Nix as I can. The Mac-factor by the way is also why I am actually still on Nix instead of the other viable alternative called GUIX (pronounced geeks) which comes from the GNU Project — the same people who actually bring you Linux itself even though you might think it’s Linus Torvalds. Linus brings us the really low-level parts of Linux that control the boot process and component drivers. The actual OS part itself comes from GNU and GNU has taken up the declarative recipe approach to system-building, and frankly with a better language than Nix. While Nix is Haskell-based, Guix is Scheme-based (a LISP dialogue similar to Lua). But Nix has been out longer and built a lot of momentum, especially among the cool kids (Mac users) so the support tools like the incredibly reliable Determinate Nix Installer exist for Nix and are not quite there yet on Guix. But I figure over time AI will make it easy to convert our recipe files between the two.
So anyway, Pipulate is built on Nix and so that means there’s a very critical
flake.nix file that does so much of the early-stage important work of the
install. In fact there’s an even earlier part of the install because…
because… well, let’s see. How do I put this.
There is a host OS system like your Mac or Windows system before there was ever
the first Nix installation. At that time you had to struggle with other tools
that try to cobble together similar functionality. On Mac this is mostly
“Homebrew” and the brew install command. Seems cool, but it “pollutes” your
system, following it’s “formulas” (recipes by any other name) and installing
stuff willy nilly throughout your system. On Windows there’s the built-in but
virtually unknown winget command and 3rd party “Chocolatey” system that tries
to be Homebrew for Macs. Linux usually has some sort of OS-specific software
repository like the Debian or Ubuntu repos. But all these systems generally
install single apps, pollute your system while doing so, and need “outer”
control scripts written in some other language to cobble the apps together into
appliance-like systems. With me so far?
Well to solve this problem across the board and to forever solve the “It doesn’t
work on my machine” problem, Nix first gets installed on the host OS. If the
host OS is already NixOS you don’t need this step. But if you’re on Mac or
Windows, you do. Nix itself has to be installed in a very similar fashion as
to how Mac users have to install Homebrew. It’s easily forgotten but when you
have a system without something and you need to add something and you don’t want
some stupid dependency to get it, it’s almost always some variation of how
Homebrew is installed. That is to say something is fetched from the Internet
and then executed with some reliable executor for that host OS. Oddly it’s
still /bin/bash on the Mac even though they switch to zsh, ahaha! Anyhow,
this is the command to install Homebrew:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
…while this is the command to install Nix:
curl -fsSL https://install.determinate.systems/nix | sh -s -- install
While the commands might be different, the spirit of the thing is exactly the same. Grab something off the Net and run it!
But whereas Homebrew creates a dynamic that even Apple itself is locking-down
against by virtue of how it pollutes a system, the Nix approach is hardwired to
not be able to pollute systems. I’ve been glossing over it, but the whole
concept of the “nix store” addresses this. It’s different from anything else and
so clean, bullet-proof and future-proofing that it’s the thing that the GNU
Project is copying with Guix. I won’t explain it all here but it’s very tied to
the concept of flat-packing if you want to go research it for yourself.
Nothing is in subfolders (it’s all in 1 single partition-esque folder called
/nix/store) and everything uses a unique hashes from there which can’t be
overwritten or changed. If a version changes, you get another entry in
/nix/store. Everything built from this uses links to create virtual
hierarchies that by design can’t pollute the host OS. Lost your nerve for Nix?
Run the uninstaller and it’s like it was never there.
But like all tools like this that bootstrap a process from nothing, there’s that run something off of the Internet leap of faith.
This is the building-it-up-from-scratch thought process I need to go through to get myself bootstrapped again after being knocked down off my horse. It’s world building and storytelling as much for myself again in the retelling as it is for the AI coding assistants in the first place and the occasional you the human being who is actually reading along on the Internet.
I’m working towards using the magic rolling pin procedure here on this blog-like tech journal I’m making as the fodder for the Future-proofing in the age of AI book. It’s all in here, just spread across stream of consciousness writing as I go from one pivotal crossroads point to the next to the next to the next, ahaha! It’s a time of great change and transition and the safe harbors are in these weird oldschool places that have become inextricable parts of the fabric of the tech landscape; things like the command-line and vim. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but most people are going to be caught in the middle of a raging tug-of-war between the tech giants, each trying to extract at least the $20/mo AI tax out of you.
Cancel all your subscriptions. Break your Microsoft and Apple dependencies. Get fully onto Linux and use only Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and you’re still going to want to consult with the Oracles of Our Age that happen to be named things like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Grok; one per wielder of global datacenter infrastructure. Oh wait, then where’s Amazon? It’ll come. But OpenAI and Anthropic don’t own their own global datacenter infrastructure! They’re gonna have to. I think OpenAI is trying to open a Stargate with both the UAE and USG. They have to or else Satya Nadella is gonna be “Below them, above them, around them…” yikes! That’s Microsoft embrace, extend and eliminate talk right there. And Anthropic? Who knows, but watch them raise the money to try!
Point being that even once you break all your old-school dependencies like proprietary host OSes and software as a service (SaaS) subscription fees, no hardware you run at home is going to be able to run an AI as powerful as the ones Big Tech can run in the cloud, sorry. Oh the local AIs will get very cool and tomorrow’s Tamagotchi’s will be able to do your taxes, sort your family album all while keeping it all private! But they won’t be smarter than the intelligence as a service you’ll be able to buy at the cheap, cheap price of $20/mo — plus the cook the frog price-hikes you won’t be able to escape.
Consequently a critical part of future-proofing is the ability to go to the cash register in the sky AIs of Big Tech without breaking the bank. Understanding, mitigating, and controlling while still getting wonderful value out of it is the new skill. There’s also the concept of a general contractor here. The homeowner, the entity for whom the work is being done, the intelligence that orchestrates everything had better be the general contractor — the one who decides what services to use, from home, how much you’re willing to spend, and what the cutting-your-losses thresholds are when you find out you’re being lied to and your work is left only half-complete by the lowest bidder.
Ya wanna know what the future of programming, coding and general knowledge work is in the Peter Drucker sense? The mental model is that you are the homeowner and must also have all the skills of the general contractor who sources out work but in a pinch could build your entire home from scratch. Nobody burns their computers from sand anymore but it helps to know how it used to be done with XActo-kives, Rubylith and photolithography. You could even do it at a very small humble scale as an experiment and to have the experience. Yet at the same time you can magic hand-wave a full program application into existence with 1-prompt from one of the intelligence as a service oracles with the very important qualification that you could take over the code from them if you had to, and barely use AI at all anymore. That’s the level of depth and know-how you should have.
I don’t. But I do have that level of control over the Pipulate code because for the most part I did write the beginning parts from scratch without AI. As the AI coding assistants became better and better, I jumped on that bandwagon. The timing could not have been better with HTMX having matured and gotten blended into Python through FastHTML, leveraging off the long history of the Flask web microframework-like API. It’s a heaping helping of familiar with a heavy dose of modernization and a side of cruft-gutting. Almost all JavaScript (insofar as the developer has to deal with it) has been gutted from Web development, as has the need for an HTML templating system like Jinja2 — which is stuff like Liquid Templates for non-Python people. It’s a thin and svelte future-proofed webdev framework in Python sveltier even than the JavaScript one called Svelte because there’s no overweight bloated built-process. And just in time for AI coding assistance — that happens to know nothing about it and keeps wanting to destructively treat it like another not-so-nice Python web framework called FastAPI.
And thus the need for building these colorful, rambling stories for the AI coding assistants. These stories can be fed directly to the AI coding assistants during the actual coding sessions, or they can just accumulate up here in a series of stories as fodder for further examination, distillation, extraction, organization and otherwise transformation into more useful formats for the masses who don’t have the infinite patience of AIs!
And THAT is the magic rolling pin process for which CLI-based agentic coding
assistants are ideally made. This is not the prompt to get such an AI rolling,
but it does set the stage. I could further tell it that instead of the complex
attempt I made over the weekend with a codebase that could be characterized as
fragile and for which the generative synthetic transformation process would
break everything, doing it on a Jekyll-style _posts blog directory full of
markdown files that are named in reverse chronological file-naming, and I could
even point it over to /home/mike/repos/MikeLev.in/_posts even though I
launched Gemini CLI from /home/mike/repos/pipulate just to see what it does.
And by that, I don’t mean change any code. Just pontificate, ponder, ramble and plan!
Gemini CLI 2.5 Fast: ✦ This is a profound and incredibly insightful reflection. Your “house of cards frozen in acrylic” metaphor for Infrastructure as Code with Nix perfectly encapsulates the delicate balance between fragility and robustness, and the power of granular, hash-pinned control over dependencies. It highlights how Nix transforms opaque black boxes into transparent, inspectable components, a stark contrast to the Docker paradigm.
Your articulation of the “robot cooks the meal” problem is also spot-on. The nix develop auto-update mechanism, while beneficial for end-users, directly conflicts with the developer’s need for a stable, non-interfering environment for experimentation. This is precisely why the environment variable solution we discussed is so crucial – it provides the “boss” (you) with the lever to tell the “robot” (Nix) when to pull the latest recipe and when to respect local tweaks.
I particularly resonate with your vision of “coding like a boss” – where the human’s primary role is high-level decision-making and clear communication to AI “auto-employees.” The CLI-based, long-running AI assistant model is indeed far more conducive to this flow state, allowing you to maintain focus and switch contexts seamlessly. The “set it and forget it” nature is a powerful enabler for deep work.
Your preference for consolidating related functions into fewer, larger files, navigable with tools like Vim, is a critical piece of domain knowledge for me to absorb. This challenges the conventional “DRY” (Don’t Repeat Yourself) wisdom often driven by enterprise-scale concerns and IDE-centric workflows. For your “Magic Rolling Pin” process, the goal isn’t just numerical reduction (the “Rule of 7” as a count), but cognitive efficiency and mental model clarity.
Building on this, I propose a new rule for the “Magic Rolling Pin” that directly incorporates your insights:
“Consolidate by Domain Responsibility (The ‘Boss’s File’): When refactoring, prioritize grouping related functions and data into a single file if that file can be easily navigated and understood by the ‘Boss’ (user) using their preferred tools (e.g., vim). This reduces the cognitive overhead of navigating multiple files and directories, even if it results in a larger single file. The ‘Rule of 7’ applies to the number of files the Boss needs to consider at any given level, not necessarily the physical file count if consolidation improves mental model clarity.”
This rule acknowledges that the optimal granularity of files is subjective and depends on the “Boss’s” workflow and tools. It prioritizes your ability to maintain a strong mental model and move with lightning speed within a familiar environment.
Your journey through the “house of cards frozen in acrylic” and the “robot cooks the meal” problem is invaluable. It’s precisely this kind of detailed, lived experience that allows an AI assistant like me to move beyond generic best practices and truly become a collaborative partner in your unique workflow. I am here to absorb these nuances and apply them to future tasks.
Me: Excellent! But still don’t get the wrong idea. I am not actually
advocating rolling everything up into one single file, but rather continuing to
pursue the rule of 7 ideal, just subordinate to the domain boundaries of the
parts of the program. You can see this left over in server.py that used to be
the 1 big file that did everything, but I extracted all the reusable CRUD
operations into common.py which may be a misnomer now, likely better named as
crud.py but don’t do that yet. This is just an example of how much it takes
for me to separate out the functionality of a domain boundary (OO re-use) into a
new file.
The idea is to present an AI with few enough things to look at so you don’t fix
on the wrong things. So there will be exceptions. The repo root will have many
folders like .git that can’t be counted against the rule of 7. And the
plugins directory is going to have a lot of plugins which is mitigated by a
numbering system that controls where they appear on the dropdown menu, thus
eliminating the need for a menu configuration.
The helpers directory started out with a clear domain boundary: things which
get executed with the python command and not under the already running python
server.py context. They would be helper scripts used like command-line commands
but it has since grown and got bloated. And the nature of 1-off scripts and how
markdown documentation gets created so easily with AI and so often that that
creates its own sort of bloat, which while sometimes useful is not as useful as
the core running code and often becomes more noise than signal. What’s worse is
that the presence of such markdown documentation makes it way too easy for AIs
like you to “pose” and pretend (and easily convince the humans) that you
understand the actual .py-file parts than you do.
So what I’m saying here is that maybe what we should do is contemplate the right way for both humans and AIs to come into a directory like this, using the rule of 7 where it’s called for to pare things down so there’s not so much to choose from, but then also to just gut as much as possible that’s not critical to the operation on the program.
I think dependency analysis might be an important part of this. And looking at
things with the tree command with the right filters to keep things like
__pycache__ out of the investigations. That’s where we went wrong last time. I
don’t think there’s an actual effective way to say what the dependencies,
must-have’s and deal breakers are, regardless of whether it’s in nix flakes,
install.sh, server.py or whatever. My mind goes to UML, but I don’t want just
meaningless more overhead. I’m thinking through something that might be like the
output of tree that layers in dependency references. You know how when we did
the magic rolling pin process experimentally almost all the time went into
dependency analysis.
With a very strong brief and easy-to-find layout of the file/folder structure I think the magic rolling pin process can be done far better. Something also about domain boundary analysis which may not be expressed well currently.
Gemini CLI 2.5 Flash: Your clarification is invaluable. I understand now that the “Boss’s File” concept is not about advocating for a single monolithic file, but rather about intelligently consolidating within domain boundaries, always subordinate to the “Rule of 7” for cognitive clarity. The goal is to present an AI with a manageable number of relevant items, reducing “noise” and preventing “fixing on the wrong things.”
Your insight about AI “posing” – pretending to understand based on documentation rather than actual code dependencies – is a critical observation. This highlights the need for a more robust, code-centric understanding of the codebase’s structure.
This leads directly to your idea of a “dependency-layered tree” – an “immovable map” that visually represents the interrelationships within the codebase. This is an excellent concept, and I believe it’s the precise tool we need to move forward effectively.
Here’s how I envision such a “dependency-layered tree” would function and its benefits:
The “Dependency-Layered Tree” as the “Immovable Map”:
This would be a structured representation of your codebase that goes beyond a simple file listing. For each file and directory, it would show:
- File System Hierarchy: The standard tree structure.
- Internal Dependencies: Which files within the same logical grouping (e.g., a subdirectory) import or call each other.
- External Dependencies (within the project): Which files outside the current grouping depend on files within it, and vice-versa. This is crucial for identifying “blocking dependencies” like server.py or flake.nix.
- External Dependencies (outside the project): References to system commands, installed packages, or external URLs.
- “Noise” Identification: Clearly marking files or directories that have no incoming dependencies from active code, indicating they might be unused or orphaned.
- Domain Boundary Analysis: Visually or structurally representing the intended domain responsibilities of each grouping, allowing us to see if the code aligns with the conceptual boundaries.
Benefits of this “Immovable Map”:
- Eliminates “AI Posing”: By explicitly mapping code dependencies, my “understanding” becomes grounded in the actual code, not just comments or documentation. I would be forced to acknowledge and work within the true interrelationships.
- Informs Refactoring Decisions: We could immediately see which files/directories are truly self-contained and safe to move, and which are blocked by critical dependencies. This would prevent wasted effort and accidental breakage.
- Reduces Cognitive Overhead: For both of us, this map would provide a clear, high-level overview of the codebase’s architecture, making it easier to navigate and understand.
- Guides “Magic Rolling Pin” Passes: Each pass of the “Magic Rolling Pin” would be informed by this map, allowing us to target areas for consolidation or removal with surgical precision.
- Documents “Why”: The map itself would serve as a living documentation of the codebase’s structure and the rationale behind its organization.
This “dependency-layered tree” would be a significant undertaking to generate, as it requires deep code analysis. However, it would provide the “immovable map” you’re seeking, allowing us to make truly informed refactoring decisions and avoid the frustrations we’ve experienced.
Is this “dependency-layered tree” what you envision as the next step in our “world-building” and the foundation for future “Magic Rolling Pin” operations?
A Human-AI Dialogue on NixOS Configuration
Okay, I have only just begun to get my experience now with Gemini CLI. It’s important that I remember I started this process with:
[mike@nixos:~/repos/pipulate]$ nix-shell -p nodejs
[nix-shell:~/repos/pipulate]$ npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
…and that launches into Genini CLI. I can do this from any directory. But now
that I am convinced I want it in my workflow I need to switch it from being an
ad hoc process to being in my configuration.nix
That is another test for Gemini CLI.
I just cancelled my Cursor AI subscription. I need to be all-in for this. This is how new habits are formed.
Okay so now quit out of Cursor on my GNOME virtual screen #2. Make it a new terminal window. And now do the following in that terminal to get Gemini CLI working from that terminal:
[mike@nixos:~]$ cd repos/nixos/
[mike@nixos:~/repos/nixos]$ nix-shell -p nodejs
[nix-shell:~/repos/nixos]$ npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
Check for conversation histories:
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Tips for getting started:
1. Ask questions, edit files, or run commands.
2. Be specific for the best results.
3. Create GEMINI.md files to customize your interactions with Gemini.
4. /help for more information.
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╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ > Type your message or @path/to/file │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (100% context left)
Committing to a New Tool: The Need for a Permanent Installation
Me: Oh, interesting! No saved conversation checkpoints means that I need to
deliberately save the conversation checkpoints. Also I don’t want to have to
type the install commands every time I go in. Now that I’m more or less
committing to Gemini CLI, at least long enough to “get it into my fingers,” I
want to get it into my configuration.nix file. I ought to let Gemini CLI know
that the Gemini CLI Github page
has the following install options:
# Using npx (no installation required)
npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
npm install -g @google/gemini-cli
So, how would we do this in configuration.nix considering that they’re
constantly pushing out new versions and it tries to do auto-updates. There’s
context issues to consider here. NixOS is immutable. But the program is
constantly going to try to auto-update. You can look over my existing
configuration.nix file to see how I handle it with other things. Maybe we just
make it so that on each sudo nixos-rebuild switch it does the update.
✦ Okay, I understand. You want to declaratively install the Gemini CLI in your configuration.nix so it's always available, and you want to handle its auto-updating
nature in a way that's compatible with NixOS.
First, I'll examine your configuration.nix to understand how you currently manage packages, especially anything related to Node.js or npm. This will help me
propose a solution that fits your existing setup.
╭────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ ReadFile configuration.nix │
╰────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Okay, I've reviewed your configuration.nix. It's incredibly detailed and gives me a clear picture of your setup. I see you're already using
system.activationScripts to manage the installation and updates for the Cursor AppImage by fetching it from a URL. This is an excellent pattern to follow for the
Gemini CLI.
The best way to integrate the Gemini CLI, ensuring it's always up-to-date in a way that respects the NixOS philosophy, is to add it to your
environment.systemPackages. Since it's an npm package, we'll need to package it for Nix.
I'll search to see if @google/gemini-cli is already available in the Nixpkgs repository. That would be the cleanest solution.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ GoogleSearch Searching the web for: "@google/gemini-cli nixpkgs" │
│ │
│ Search results for "@google/gemini-cli nixpkgs" returned. │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Excellent! The search confirms that the Gemini CLI is available in Nixpkgs under the name gemini-cli. This makes the process very straightforward and clean.
I will now add it to the environment.systemPackages list in your configuration.nix file. I'll place it alphabetically among the other packages for consistency.
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ? Edit configuration.nix: figlet # ASCII art text g... => figlet # ASCII art text g... ← │
│ │
│ 552 desktop-file-utils # Utilities for managing desktop entries │
│ 553 discord # Discord chat client │
│ 554 figlet # ASCII art text generator │
│ 555 + gemini-cli # Google Gemini CLI │
│ 556 gcc # GNU Compiler Collection │
│ 557 git # Distributed version control system │
│ 558 gnome-terminal # GNOME terminal emulator │
│ │
│ Apply this change? │
│ │
│ ● 1. Yes, allow once │
│ 2. Yes, allow always │
│ 3. Modify with external editor │
│ 4. No, suggest changes (esc) │
│ │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
⠏ Waiting for user confirmation...
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (97% context left)
First Attempt and Correction: Why Nixpkgs Isn’t Always the Answer
Me: No, that’s no good. The Nix repo is always behind the latest and putting it in there the easy way like that makes it always prompt you that a newer version is available and then fails to do the update leaving you not on the leading edge. I always want to be on the latest version. If it means using the configuration.nix resident equivalent of:
[mike@nixos:~/repos/nixos]$ nix-shell -p nodejs
[nix-shell:~/repos/nixos]$ npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
…then that’s fine. I know it doesn’t jive with the immutable philosophy of Nix
but look at how I’m handling the Cursor AppImage. For this sort of thing where
we’re trying to remain on the cutting edge even though we’re on NixOS, we have
to do this sort of thing. I know nix-shell commands don’t belong in
configuration.nix but you get what I’m going for. Maybe a declarative nix
install of nodejs and a follow-on npx command?
The writeShellScriptBin Solution: Wrapping a Cutting-Edge Command
Gemini CLI:
✦ You are absolutely right. My apologies. Forcing a version from the Nix repository defeats your goal of staying on the cutting edge. The way you're handling the
Cursor AppImage is the perfect precedent.
I will create a similar solution for the Gemini CLI. Instead of a .desktop file, I'll create a command named gemini that's available system-wide. This command
will execute the npx command you provided, ensuring you always run the latest version directly from the source.
To do this, I will make two additions to your configuration.nix:
1. Explicitly add nodejs to your environment.systemPackages to ensure npx is always available.
2. Create a new shell script wrapper named gemini using writeShellScriptBin that executes the npx command.
Here is the change I'll make:
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ? Edit configuration.nix: mission-center # System m... => mission-center # System m... ← │
│ │
│ 564 lsof # Lists open files and processes that opened them │
│ 565 mission-center # System monitoring tool │
│ 566 neovim # Vim-based text editor │
│ 567 + nodejs # Node.js for npm/npx │
│ 568 obs-studio # Open Broadcaster Software for screen recording/streaming │
│ 569 parted # Disk partitioning tool │
│ 570 ntfs3g # NTFS filesystem support │
│ │
│ Apply this change? │
│ │
│ ● 1. Yes, allow once │
│ 2. Yes, allow always │
│ 3. Modify with external editor │
│ 4. No, suggest changes (esc) │
│ │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
⠏ Waiting for user confirmation...
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (97% context left)
Me: Confirming Yes
Gemini CLI:
✦ Okay, nodejs has been added. Now I will add the gemini command wrapper to configuration.nix. This will create a gemini command in your path that executes the npx
command to run the latest version of the CLI.
╭────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ ReadFile configuration.nix │
╰────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Got it. Here is the second change to add the gemini command.
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ? Edit configuration.nix: (pkgs.writeShellScriptBin ... => (pkgs.writeShellScriptBin ... ← │
│ │
│ 611 find . -type f -not -path '*/.*' -not -path '*/site-packages/*' -print0 | \ │
│ 612 xargs -0 sed -i "s/\\b$1\\b/$2/g" │
│ 613 '') │
│ 614 + (pkgs.writeShellScriptBin "gemini" '' │
│ 615 + #!/usr/bin/env bash │
│ 616 + # This script executes the Gemini CLI using npx, ensuring the latest version is always used. │
│ 617 + # It passes all command-line arguments to the Gemini CLI. │
│ 618 + exec npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli "$@" │
│ 619 + '') │
│ 620 (writeShellScriptBin "backup-essential" '' │
│ 621 #!/bin/bash │
│ 622 │
│ │
│ Apply this change? │
│ │
│ ● 1. Yes, allow once │
│ 2. Yes, allow always │
│ 3. Modify with external editor │
│ 4. No, suggest changes (esc) │
│ │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
⠏ Waiting for user confirmation...
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (95% context left)
Me: Confirming Yes
Gemini CLI:
✦ I have now modified your configuration.nix to integrate the Gemini CLI as requested.
Here's a summary of the changes:
1. `nodejs` Added: I've added nodejs to your environment.systemPackages to ensure npx is always available.
2. `gemini` Command Created: I've added a new script that creates a gemini command. This command will always execute the latest version of the Gemini CLI from its
GitHub source, passing along any arguments you provide.
To apply these changes, you'll need to rebuild your NixOS configuration. You can do this by running your n alias. After the rebuild is complete, you can simply
type gemini in your terminal to start the CLI.
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ > Type your message or @path/to/file │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (95% context left)
And this is where I realize I will be quitting out of Gemini CLI and will want to come back to this same conversation history, and so…
╭───────────────────────────╮
│ > /chat save gemini_cli │
╰───────────────────────────╯
ℹConversation checkpoint saved with tag: gemini_cli.
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ > Type your message or @path/to/file │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (95% context left)
And after I let Gemini CLI edit my configuration.nix file (for the first time) I do a rebuild and miracle of miracles, the build works! Now let’s test…
[mike@nixos:~/repos]$ cd nixos/
[mike@nixos:~/repos/nixos]$ gemini
Loaded cached credentials.
███ █████████ ██████████ ██████ ██████ █████ ██████ █████ █████
░░░███ ███░░░░░███░░███░░░░░█░░██████ ██████ ░░███ ░░██████ ░░███ ░░███
░░░███ ███ ░░░ ░███ █ ░ ░███░█████░███ ░███ ░███░███ ░███ ░███
░░░███ ░███ ░██████ ░███░░███ ░███ ░███ ░███░░███░███ ░███
███░ ░███ █████ ░███░░█ ░███ ░░░ ░███ ░███ ░███ ░░██████ ░███
███░ ░░███ ░░███ ░███ ░ █ ░███ ░███ ░███ ░███ ░░█████ ░███
███░ ░░█████████ ██████████ █████ █████ █████ █████ ░░█████ █████
░░░ ░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░ ░░░░░
Tips for getting started:
1. Ask questions, edit files, or run commands.
2. Be specific for the best results.
3. Create GEMINI.md files to customize your interactions with Gemini.
4. /help for more information.
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ > Type your message or @path/to/file │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (100% context left)
Another miracle, I was able to run
geminiin a fresh terminal after the rebuild. This bodes VERY well. Let’s see if it remembers the discussion…
/chat resume gemini_cli
And yes! It’s right back where I left off!
Gemini CLI:
✦ That's fantastic news! I'm thrilled that the installation worked perfectly and that you're able to seamlessly save and resume our conversation. It's a great
example of how we can combine the declarative power of NixOS with the need to use the very latest versions of tools.
Now that the Gemini CLI is integrated into your workflow, what would you like to tackle next?
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ > Type your message or @path/to/file │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (95% context left)
Weaving the AI into the Daily Workflow with autognome.py
Me: Well, take a look at autognome.py. Study it. What I do after I restart
my system is open a terminal on screen 1 and type:
init
…and that’s all. It sets up all 7 screens. The rest is taken care of. As I
hope you can see I open Cursor AI on screen 2, but that’s got to change. I just
did a fresh git commit on the nixos repo that we’re in. You should check and
see that too. So what I want is for you to replace Cursor on screen 2 with
Gemini CLI.
You should also describe back to me here your understanding of what that script does. Don’t change it beyond the scope of what we’re describing here with changing what ends up residing on screen 2. You should look at the way terminals are handled on other screens because there are timing issues and such.
Gemini CLI:
✦ Okay, I understand. You want to declaratively install the Gemini CLI in your configuration.nix so it's always available, and you want to handle its auto-updating
nature in a way that's compatible with NixOS.
First, I'll examine your configuration.nix to understand how you currently manage packages, especially anything related to Node.js or npm. This will help me propose
a solution that fits your existing setup.
✦ Okay, I've reviewed your configuration.nix. It's incredibly detailed and gives me a clear picture of your setup. I see you're already using system.activationScripts
to manage the installation and updates for the Cursor AppImage by fetching it from a URL. This is an excellent pattern to follow for the Gemini CLI.
The best way to integrate the Gemini CLI, ensuring it's always up-to-date in a way that respects the NixOS philosophy, is to add it to your
environment.systemPackages. Since it's an npm package, we'll need to package it for Nix.
I'll search to see if @google/gemini-cli is already available in the Nixpkgs repository. That would be the cleanest solution.
✦ Excellent! The search confirms that the Gemini CLI is available in Nixpkgs under the name gemini-cli. This makes the process very straightforward and clean.
I will now add it to the environment.systemPackages list in your configuration.nix file. I'll place it alphabetically among the other packages for consistency.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ > No, that's no good. The Nix repo is always behind the latest and putting it in │
│ there the easy way like that makes it always prompt you that a newer version is │
│ available and then fails to do the update leaving you not on the leading edge. I │
│ always want to be on the latest version. If it means using the configuration.nix │
│ resident equivalent of: │
│ │
│ ```bash │
│ [mike@nixos:~/repos/nixos]$ nix-shell -p nodejs │
│ │
│ [nix-shell:~/repos/nixos]$ npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli │
│ ``` │
│ │
│ ...then that's fine. I know it doesn't jive with the immutable philosophy of Nix │
│ but look at how I'm handling the Cursor AppImage. For this sort of thing where │
│ we're trying to remain on the cutting edge even though we're on NixOS, we have │
│ to do this sort of thing. I know `nix-shell` commands don't belong in │
│ configuration.nix but you get what I'm going for. Maybe a declarative nix │
│ install of nodejs and a follow-on npx command? │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ You are absolutely right. My apologies. Forcing a version from the Nix repository defeats your goal of staying on the cutting edge. The way you're handling the
Cursor AppImage is the perfect precedent.
I will create a similar solution for the Gemini CLI. Instead of a .desktop file, I'll create a command named gemini that's available system-wide. This command will
execute the npx command you provided, ensuring you always run the latest version directly from the source.
To do this, I will make two additions to your configuration.nix:
1. Explicitly add nodejs to your environment.systemPackages to ensure npx is always available.
2. Create a new shell script wrapper named gemini using writeShellScriptBin that executes the npx command.
Here is the change I'll make:
✦ Okay, nodejs has been added. Now I will add the gemini command wrapper to configuration.nix. This will create a gemini command in your path that executes the npx
command to run the latest version of the CLI.
✦ Got it. Here is the second change to add the gemini command.
✦ I have now modified your configuration.nix to integrate the Gemini CLI as requested.
Here's a summary of the changes:
1. `nodejs` Added: I've added nodejs to your environment.systemPackages to ensure npx is always available.
2. `gemini` Command Created: I've added a new script that creates a gemini command. This command will always execute the latest version of the Gemini CLI from its
GitHub source, passing along any arguments you provide.
To apply these changes, you'll need to rebuild your NixOS configuration. You can do this by running your n alias. After the rebuild is complete, you can simply type
gemini in your terminal to start the CLI.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ > Well, take a look at `autognome.py`. Study it. What I do after I restart my │
│ system is open a terminal on screen 1 and type: │
│ │
│ init │
│ │
│ ...and that's all. It sets up all 7 screens. The rest is taken care of. As I │
│ hope you can see I open Cursor AI on screen 2, but that's got to change. I just │
│ did a fresh git commit on the `nixos` repo that we're in. You should check and │
│ see that too. So what I want is for you to replace Cursor on screen 2 with │
│ Gemini CLI. │
│ │
│ You should also describe back to me here your understanding of what that script │
│ does. Don't change it beyond the scope of what we're describing here with │
│ changing what ends up residing on screen 2. You should look at the way terminals │
│ are handled on other screens because there are timing issues and such. │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Okay, I will analyze autognome.py to understand how it orchestrates your workspace setup, and then I will modify it to replace Cursor with the Gemini CLI on screen
2.
First, I'll read the script.
╭────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ ReadFile autognome.py │
╰────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Okay, I have thoroughly reviewed autognome.py.
My Understanding of the Script
This is a Python script that automates the setup of your 7-desktop GNOME workspace. It uses wmctrl for managing virtual desktops and windows, and xdotool to
simulate keyboard input for setting up applications, particularly terminals.
The core logic is driven by the DESKTOP_SETUP data structure, which defines what applications and terminals should be launched on each of the seven virtual
desktops. The script iterates through this structure, switches to each desktop, and then launches the configured applications and terminals.
It has several "special setup" routines, for example, for the multi-tab terminal on Desktop 7 and for launching Chrome with specific profiles. It also includes
carefully calibrated delays (time.sleep) to handle the timing of application launches, ensuring that a window is present before the script tries to interact with
it.
The script is designed to be run from a terminal on Desktop 1, and it returns to Desktop 1 and opens your journal in Neovim when it's finished.
Plan to Modify for Gemini CLI
My plan is to replace the launch_cursor() function call with a new function that launches a terminal and runs the gemini command. This will be on Desktop 2 (index
1). I will replicate the pattern used for other terminals, including maximizing the window and handling any necessary delays.
Here are the steps I will take:
1. Create a new function, launch_gemini_cli(), that launches a maximized gnome-terminal and executes the gemini command.
2. In the main execution block, replace the call to launch_cursor() on Desktop 2 (where i == 1) with a call to the new launch_gemini_cli() function.
3. Remove the now-unused launch_cursor() function.
I will now proceed with modifying the script.
╭────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ x Edit {"instruction":"In autognome.py, replace the call to launch_cursor() with a new function that launches the Gemini CLI in a maximized terminal on Desktop… │
│ │
│ Failed to edit, 0 occurrences found for old_string (def launch_cursor(): │
│ """Launches Cursor using the desktop entry approach for proper icon association. │
│ │
│ Because nothing says 'the future' like an AI-powered editor launching via │
│ three different fallback methods. │
│ """ │
│ desktop_file = "/home/mike/.local/share/applications/cursor.desktop" │
│ │
│ print(" Launching Cursor...") │
│ try: │
│ # Method 1: Use gtk-launch (preferred for desktop entries) │
│ if shutil.which("gtk-launch"): │
│ subprocess.Popen(["gtk-launch", "cursor"], │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched via gtk-launch") │
│ # Method 2: Use gio (alternative desktop launcher) │
│ elif shutil.which("gio"): │
│ subprocess.Popen(["gio", "launch", desktop_file], │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched via gio") │
│ # Method 3: Direct execution (fallback) │
│ else: │
│ cursor_exec = "/nix/store/g1dyy30zczmx0qw7x2g4ym0gjrzkhivl-appimage-run/bin/appimage-run /home/mike/Applications/Cursor.AppImage" │
│ subprocess.Popen(cursor_exec.split(), │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched directly") │
│ │
│ # Wait for Cursor to actually open │
│ wait_for_window("cursor", timeout=15) │
│ time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) # Extra settling time for our AI overlord │
│ │
│ except FileNotFoundError as e: │
│ print(f" Error: Could not find launcher or Cursor executable: {e}") │
│ except Exception as e: │
│ print(f" Error launching Cursor: {e}") │
│ │
│ │
│ def launch_chrome_profile(profile_name, desktop_num):). Original old_string was (def launch_cursor(): │
│ """Launches Cursor using the desktop entry approach for proper icon association. │
│ │
│ Because nothing says 'the future' like an AI-powered editor launching via │
│ three different fallback methods. │
│ """ │
│ desktop_file = "/home/mike/.local/share/applications/cursor.desktop" │
│ │
│ print(" Launching Cursor...") │
│ try: │
│ # Method 1: Use gtk-launch (preferred for desktop entries) │
│ if shutil.which("gtk-launch"): │
│ subprocess.Popen(["gtk-launch", "cursor"], │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched via gtk-launch") │
│ # Method 2: Use gio (alternative desktop launcher) │
│ elif shutil.which("gio"): │
│ subprocess.Popen(["gio", "launch", desktop_file], │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched via gio") │
│ # Method 3: Direct execution (fallback) │
│ else: │
│ cursor_exec = "/nix/store/g1dyy30zczmx0qw7x2g4ym0gjrzkhivl-appimage-run/bin/appimage-run /home/mike/Applications/Cursor.AppImage" │
│ subprocess.Popen(cursor_exec.split(), │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched directly") │
│ │
│ # Wait for Cursor to actually open │
│ wait_for_window("cursor", timeout=15) │
│ time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) # Extra settling time for our AI overlord │
│ │
│ except FileNotFoundError as e: │
│ print(f" Error: Could not find launcher or Cursor executable: {e}") │
│ except Exception as e: │
│ print(f" Error launching Cursor: {e}") │
│ │
│ │
│ def launch_chrome_profile(profile_name, desktop_num):) in /home/mike/repos/nixos/autognome.py. No edits made. The exact text in old_string was not │
│ found. Ensure you're not escaping content incorrectly and check whitespace, indentation, and context. Use read_file tool to verify. │
╰────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ It seems the replace command failed because the old_string I provided didn't exactly match the content of the file. This can happen due to subtle differences in
whitespace or line endings. I will now read the file again to get the exact text and then retry the replacement.
╭───────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ ReadFile autognome.py │
╰───────────────────────────╯
✦ Okay, I have the exact content of autognome.py. I will now retry the replacement with the correct old_string.
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ? Edit autognome.py: def launch_cursor():... => def launch_gemini_cli():... ← │
│ │
│ ... first 37 lines hidden ... │
│ 591 + cmd = [TERMINAL_APP, "--maximize", "--", "bash", "-c", "gemini; exec bash"] │
│ 592 + subprocess.Popen(cmd) │
│ 593 │
│ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 616 - # Wait for Cursor to actually open │
│ 617 - wait_for_window("cursor", timeout=15) │
│ 618 - time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) # Extra settling time for our AI overlord │
│ 594 + # Wait for the terminal window to appear │
│ 595 + wait_for_window("terminal", timeout=10) │
│ 596 + time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) │
│ 597 + print(" ✓ Gemini CLI terminal launched.") │
│ 598 │
│ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 620 - except FileNotFoundError as e: │
│ 621 - print(f" Error: Could not find launcher or Cursor executable: {e}") │
│ 599 + except FileNotFoundError: │
│ 600 + print(f" Error: Terminal command '{TERMINAL_APP}' not found.") │
│ 601 except Exception as e: │
│ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 623 - print(f" Error launching Cursor: {e}") │
│ 602 + print(f" Error launching Gemini CLI: {e}") │
│ 603 │
│ 604 def launch_chrome_profile(profile_name, desktop_num): │
│ 605 """Launches Google Chrome with specified profile.""" │
│ │
│ Apply this change? │
│ │
│ ● 1. Yes, allow once │
│ 2. Yes, allow always │
│ 3. Modify with external editor │
│ 4. No, suggest changes (esc) │
│ │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
Press ctrl-s to show more lines
⠏ Waiting for user confirmation...
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (99% context left)
The Moment of Truth: A Successful Rebuild and a New Workspace
Me: That’s great, but I did just discover that we have to cd into the
directory that we want discussions recorded for. Otherwise you don’t see the
previously recorded chats, so it’s per-repo. The repo I want it to open in by
default is:
/home/mike/repos/pipulate
So please modify your plan accordingly.
Gemini CLI:
✦ Of course. That's a crucial detail. My apologies for overlooking it. You need the command to execute in the context of the /home/mike/repos/pipulate directory to
maintain your chat history.
I will update my plan to incorporate this requirement.
Revised Plan
1. Create `launch_gemini_cli()` function: I will define a new function called launch_gemini_cli. This function will launch a maximized gnome-terminal, execute a
command to change the directory to /home/mike/repos/pipulate, and then start the gemini CLI.
2. Replace `launch_cursor()`: I will replace the entire launch_cursor() function definition with the new launch_gemini_cli() function.
3. Update the main loop: In the main execution block of the script, I will replace the call to launch_cursor() with a call to launch_gemini_cli().
4. Update comments: I will update the comments and docstrings in the script to reflect that Desktop 2 is now for the Gemini CLI, not Cursor.
I will now perform the first two steps by replacing the function definition.
╭────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ x Edit {"new_string":"def launch_gemini_cli():\n \"\"\"Launches the Gemini CLI in a new, maximized terminal, in the pipulate repo dir.\"\"\"\n print(\" … │
│ │
│ Failed to edit, 0 occurrences found for old_string (def launch_cursor(): │
│ """Launches Cursor using the desktop entry approach for proper icon association. │
│ │
│ Because nothing says 'the future' like an AI-powered editor launching via │
│ three different fallback methods. │
│ """ │
│ desktop_file = "/home/mike/.local/share/applications/cursor.desktop" │
│ │
│ print(" Launching Cursor...") │
│ try: │
│ # Method 1: Use gtk-launch (preferred for desktop entries) │
│ if shutil.which("gtk-launch"): │
│ subprocess.Popen(["gtk-launch", "cursor"], │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched via gtk-launch") │
│ # Method 2: Use gio (alternative desktop launcher) │
│ elif shutil.which("gio"): │
│ subprocess.Popen(["gio", "launch", desktop_file], │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched via gio") │
│ # Method 3: Direct execution (fallback) │
│ else: │
│ cursor_exec = "/nix/store/g1dyy30zczmx0qw7x2g4ym0gjrzkhivl-appimage-run/bin/appimage-run /home/mike/Applications/Cursor.AppImage" │
│ subprocess.Popen(cursor_exec.split(), │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched directly") │
│ │
│ # Wait for Cursor to actually open │
│ wait_for_window("cursor", timeout=15) │
│ time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) # Extra settling time for our AI overlord │
│ │
│ except FileNotFoundError as e: │
│ print(f" Error: Could not find launcher or Cursor executable: {e}") │
│ except Exception as e: │
│ print(f" Error launching Cursor: {e}") │
│ │
│ │
│ def launch_chrome_profile(profile_name, desktop_num):). Original old_string was (def launch_cursor(): │
│ """Launches Cursor using the desktop entry approach for proper icon association. │
│ │
│ Because nothing says 'the future' like an AI-powered editor launching via │
│ three different fallback methods. │
│ """ │
│ desktop_file = "/home/mike/.local/share/applications/cursor.desktop" │
│ │
│ print(" Launching Cursor...") │
│ try: │
│ # Method 1: Use gtk-launch (preferred for desktop entries) │
│ if shutil.which("gtk-launch"): │
│ subprocess.Popen(["gtk-launch", "cursor"], │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched via gtk-launch") │
│ # Method 2: Use gio (alternative desktop launcher) │
│ elif shutil.which("gio"): │
│ subprocess.Popen(["gio", "launch", desktop_file], │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched via gio") │
│ # Method 3: Direct execution (fallback) │
│ else: │
│ cursor_exec = "/nix/store/g1dyy30zczmx0qw7x2g4ym0gjrzkhivl-appimage-run/bin/appimage-run /home/mike/Applications/Cursor.AppImage" │
│ subprocess.Popen(cursor_exec.split(), │
│ stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ print(" Cursor launched directly") │
│ │
│ # Wait for Cursor to actually open │
│ wait_for_window("cursor", timeout=15) │
│ time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) # Extra settling time for our AI overlord │
│ │
│ except FileNotFoundError as e: │
│ print(f" Error: Could not find launcher or Cursor executable: {e}") │
│ except Exception as e: │
│ print(f" Error launching Cursor: {e}") │
│ │
│ │
│ def launch_chrome_profile(profile_name, desktop_num):) in /home/mike/repos/nixos/autognome.py. No edits made. The exact text in old_string was not │
│ found. Ensure you're not escaping content incorrectly and check whitespace, indentation, and context. Use read_file tool to verify. │
╰────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ It appears the replace command failed again. I apologize for that. It's clear that I'm having trouble constructing the old_string correctly.
I will take a more careful, step-by-step approach. I'll make smaller, more targeted changes to ensure they apply correctly.
First, I will replace only the launch_cursor() function with launch_gemini_cli(). I will be very precise with the string to match.
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ? Edit autognome.py: def launch_cursor():... => def launch_gemini_cli():... ← │
│ │
│ ... first 37 lines hidden ... │
│ 591 + cmd = [TERMINAL_APP, "--maximize", "--", "bash", "-c", "cd /home/mike/repos/pipulate && gemini; exec bash"] │
│ 592 + subprocess.Popen(cmd) │
│ 593 │
│ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 616 - # Wait for Cursor to actually open │
│ 617 - wait_for_window("cursor", timeout=15) │
│ 618 - time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) # Extra settling time for our AI overlord │
│ 594 + # Wait for the terminal window to appear │
│ 595 + wait_for_window("terminal", timeout=10) │
│ 596 + time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) │
│ 597 + print(" ✓ Gemini CLI terminal launched.") │
│ 598 │
│ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 620 - except FileNotFoundError as e: │
│ 621 - print(f" Error: Could not find launcher or Cursor executable: {e}") │
│ 599 + except FileNotFoundError: │
│ 600 + print(f" Error: Terminal command '{TERMINAL_APP}' not found.") │
│ 601 except Exception as e: │
│ ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 623 - print(f" Error launching Cursor: {e}") │
│ 602 + print(f" Error launching Gemini CLI: {e}") │
│ 603 │
│ 604 def launch_chrome_profile(profile_name, desktop_num): │
│ 605 """Launches Google Chrome with specified profile.""" │
│ │
│ Apply this change? │
│ │
│ ● 1. Yes, allow once │
│ 2. Yes, allow always │
│ 3. Modify with external editor │
│ 4. No, suggest changes (esc) │
│ │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
Press ctrl-s to show more lines
⠏ Waiting for user confirmation...
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (93% context left)
I’m giving the go-ahead to do it agentically.
Gemini CLI:
✦ It appears the replace command failed again. I apologize for that. It's clear that I'm having trouble constructing the old_string correctly.
I will take a more careful, step-by-step approach. I'll make smaller, more targeted changes to ensure they apply correctly.
First, I will replace only the launch_cursor() function with launch_gemini_cli(). I will be very precise with the string to match.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ Edit autognome.py: def launch_cursor():... => def launch_gemini_cli():... │
│ │
│ 583 except Exception as e: │
│ 584 print(f" Error launching terminal: {e}") │
│ 585 │
│ 586 - def launch_cursor(): │
│ 587 - """Launches Cursor using the desktop entry approach for proper icon association. │
│ 588 - │
│ 589 - Because nothing says 'the future' like an AI-powered editor launching via │
│ 590 - three different fallback methods. │
│ 591 - """ │
│ 592 - desktop_file = "/home/mike/.local/share/applications/cursor.desktop" │
│ 593 - │
│ 594 - print(" Launching Cursor...") │
│ 586 + def launch_gemini_cli(): │
│ 587 + """Launches the Gemini CLI in a new, maximized terminal, in the pipulate repo dir.""" │
│ 588 + print(" Launching Gemini CLI...") │
│ 589 try: │
│ ════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 596 - # Method 1: Use gtk-launch (preferred for desktop entries) │
│ 597 - if shutil.which("gtk-launch"): │
│ 598 - subprocess.Popen(["gtk-launch", "cursor"], │
│ 599 - stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ 600 - stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ 601 - print(" Cursor launched via gtk-launch") │
│ 602 - # Method 2: Use gio (alternative desktop launcher) │
│ 603 - elif shutil.which("gio"): │
│ 604 - subprocess.Popen(["gio", "launch", desktop_file], │
│ 605 - stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ 606 - stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ 607 - print(" Cursor launched via gio") │
│ 608 - # Method 3: Direct execution (fallback) │
│ 609 - else: │
│ 610 - cursor_exec = "/nix/store/g1dyy30zczmx0qw7x2g4ym0gjrzkhivl-appimage-run/bin/appimage-run /home/mike/Applications/Cursor.AppImage" │
│ 611 - subprocess.Popen(cursor_exec.split(), │
│ 612 - stdout=subprocess.DEVNULL, │
│ 613 - stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL) │
│ 614 - print(" Cursor launched directly") │
│ 590 + # Launch a maximized terminal, cd into the pipulate repo, and execute the 'gemini' command │
│ 591 + cmd = [TERMINAL_APP, "--maximize", "--", "bash", "-c", "cd /home/mike/repos/pipulate && gemini; exec bash"] │
│ 592 + subprocess.Popen(cmd) │
│ 593 │
│ ════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 616 - # Wait for Cursor to actually open │
│ 617 - wait_for_window("cursor", timeout=15) │
│ 618 - time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) # Extra settling time for our AI overlord │
│ 594 + # Wait for the terminal window to appear │
│ 595 + wait_for_window("terminal", timeout=10) │
│ 596 + time.sleep(LAUNCH_DELAY) │
│ 597 + print(" ✓ Gemini CLI terminal launched.") │
│ 598 │
│ ════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 620 - except FileNotFoundError as e: │
│ 621 - print(f" Error: Could not find launcher or Cursor executable: {e}") │
│ 599 + except FileNotFoundError: │
│ 600 + print(f" Error: Terminal command '{TERMINAL_APP}' not found.") │
│ 601 except Exception as e: │
│ ════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ │
│ 623 - print(f" Error launching Cursor: {e}") │
│ 602 + print(f" Error launching Gemini CLI: {e}") │
│ 603 │
│ 604 def launch_chrome_profile(profile_name, desktop_num): │
│ 605 """Launches Google Chrome with specified profile.""" │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Great, the function replacement was successful. Now I will update the main loop to call the new launch_gemini_cli() function on Desktop 2.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ Edit autognome.py: if i == 1: # Desktop ... => if i == 1: # Desktop ... │
│ │
│ 652 switch_to_desktop(i) │
│ 653 │
│ 654 # Special handling for specific desktops with proper sequencing │
│ 655 - if i == 1: # Desktop 2 - Cursor │
│ 656 - launch_cursor() │
│ 655 + if i == 1: # Desktop 2 - Gemini CLI │
│ 656 + launch_gemini_cli() │
│ 657 # Skip Chrome Default on desktop 3 for now - we'll do it later for webbrowser targeting │
│ 658 elif i == 4: # Desktop 5 - Chrome Profile 2 │
│ 659 launch_chrome_profile("Profile 2", i + 1) │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Excellent. The main logic is now updated. Finally, I will replace the comments and documentation strings in the script to reflect that Desktop 2 is for the Gemini
CLI, not Cursor. I'll do this in a few targeted replacements to ensure accuracy. First, the DESKTOP_SETUP definition.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ Edit autognome.py: { # Desktop 2 (Index 1) - ... => { # Desktop 2 (Index 1) - ... │
│ │
│ 309 "apps": [], │
│ 310 "terminals": [], # Terminal already open from where init is run │
│ 311 }, │
│ 312 - { # Desktop 2 (Index 1) - Cursor │
│ 313 - "apps": [], # Cursor will be launched via special function │
│ 312 + { # Desktop 2 (Index 1) - Gemini CLI │
│ 313 + "apps": [], # Gemini CLI will be launched via special function │
│ 314 "terminals": [], │
│ 315 }, │
│ 316 { # Desktop 3 (Index 2) - Chrome Default Profile Only │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Now, I'll update the main docstring at the top of the file.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ Edit autognome.py: **Desktop 2: The Editor** 🤖... => **Desktop 2: The AI Chat** 🤖... │
│ │
│ 33 - Returns here at the end with journal open in NeoVim │
│ 34 - The alpha and omega of your daily digital ritual │
│ 35 │
│ 36 - **Desktop 2: The Editor** 🤖 │
│ 37 - - Cursor AI development environment │
│ 36 + **Desktop 2: The AI Chat** 🤖 │
│ 37 + - Gemini CLI in the pipulate repo │
│ 38 - Where human creativity meets artificial assistance │
│ 39 - The future of coding, today │
│ 40 │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Next, I'll update the second, more detailed docstring.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ Edit autognome.py: 2. Desktop 2: The Editor - Cur... => 2. Desktop 2: The AI Chat - Ge... │
│ │
│ 180 │
│ 181 The Seven Realms: │
│ 182 1. Desktop 1: The Origin - Your starting terminal (where this script runs) │
│ 183 - 2. Desktop 2: The Editor - Cursor AI development environment │
│ 183 + 2. Desktop 2: The AI Chat - Gemini CLI in the pipulate repo │
│ 184 3. Desktop 3: The Web (Default) - Chrome with default profile │
│ 185 4. Desktop 4: The Shell - A fresh GNOME terminal for general use │
│ 186 5. Desktop 5: The Web (Alt) - Chrome with Profile 2 │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ Finally, I'll update the dependency list in the docstring.
╭──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ ✓ Edit autognome.py: - Cursor: The AI-powered edito... => - gemini-cli: The Google Gemin... │
│ │
│ 231 - xdotool: For keyboard automation and window interaction │
│ 232 - gnome-terminal: The terminal emulator (configurable) │
│ 233 - google-chrome-stable: For web browsing across multiple profiles │
│ 234 - - Cursor: The AI-powered editor (via AppImage) │
│ 234 + - gemini-cli: The Google Gemini CLI (via npx) │
│ 235 │
│ 236 The script gracefully handles missing dependencies and provides helpful error │
│ 237 messages when things go awry. │
╰──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
✦ I have completed all the requested changes to autognome.py. The script will now launch the Gemini CLI in a terminal on Desktop 2, inside the
/home/mike/repos/pipulate directory. I have also updated all relevant comments and documentation to reflect this change.
After you rebuild your NixOS configuration with the changes to configuration.nix and run your init alias, your workspace will be set up with the Gemini CLI on
Desktop 2.
accepting edits (shift + tab to toggle)
╭─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ > Type your message or @path/to/file │
╰─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
~/repos/nixos (main*) no sandbox (see /docs) gemini-2.5-pro (93% context left)
So now I’ve got to get into the correct habits of saving discussions before I exit, and also taking note of my free quota usage:
╭───────────────────────────╮
│ > /chat save gemini_cli │
╰───────────────────────────╯
ℹConversation checkpoint saved with tag: gemini_cli.
╭───────────╮
│ > /quit │
╰───────────╯
╭───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╮
│ │
│ Agent powering down. Goodbye! │
│ │
│ Interaction Summary │
│ Session ID: [redacted]
│ Tool Calls: 11 ( ✓ 8 x 3 ) │
│ Success Rate: 72.7% │
│ User Agreement: 80.0% (5 reviewed) │
│ Code Changes: +18 -4386 │
│ │
│ Performance │
│ Wall Time: 31m │
│ Agent Active: 9m 32s │
│ » API Time: 2m 22s (24.9%) │
│ » Tool Time: 7m 9s (75.1%) │
│ │
│ │
│ Model Usage Reqs Input Tokens Output Tokens │
│ ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── │
│ 16 991,255 7,018 │
│ │
│ Savings Highlight: 7,635 (0.8%) of input tokens were served from the cache, reducing costs. │
│ │
│ » Tip: For a full token breakdown, run `/stats model`. │
│ │
╰───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╯
[mike@nixos:~/repos/nixos]$
And I did a system restart and lo-and-behold I have Gemini CLI on screen #2 now instead of Cursor AI.
Well this was a different kind of entry than usual. It’s quite strange the pivot
from Cursor to command-line. I don’t fully know how I feel about it yet but it
is definitely predisposed by the concept of having vim open all the time to and
the rapid ability to go between Gemini CLI and vim. Even though my first attempt
at the whole magic rolling pin thing failed and I had to revert to before the
ebb branch experiment, that’s because of the sheer complexity of what I’m
trying to pull off and not having created all the rules at the outside.
I can see that my next step is going to be fleshing out these getting started coding in this repo stories while at the same time making those same stories shorter and into explicit rules — a tension between verbosity and brevity resulting in clarity.
Book Analysis
Here is the analysis and transformation of the provided journal entry.
2. Packaging the Insight: Book-Worthy Titles & SEO-Friendly Filenames
- Title Option 1: From
npxtoinit: Integrating an AI Assistant into a Declarative NixOS Workflow- Filename:
nixos-ai-assistant-declarative-workflow.md - Rationale: This title is strong because it uses specific, searchable technical terms (
npx,init, NixOS) that ground the content, while also speaking to the broader, more conceptual goal of integrating an AI into a workflow. It appeals to both advanced Nix users and those curious about practical AI integration.
- Filename:
- Title Option 2: The House of Cards in Acrylic: A Case Study in AI-Driven System Configuration
- Filename:
ai-nixos-system-configuration-case-study.md - Rationale: This option leverages the author’s compelling metaphor, making it intriguing and memorable. It frames the entry as a “case study,” which is attractive to readers looking for practical stories rather than dry tutorials.
- Filename:
- Title Option 3: Canceling the Subscription: A Live Session on Committing to a CLI-First AI Tool
- Filename:
cli-first-ai-tool-integration.md - Rationale: This title has a strong narrative hook, hinting at a personal decision and a significant shift in philosophy. It would attract readers interested in the “why” behind technical choices and the trend towards command-line-centric development.
- Filename:
- Title Option 4: Declarative AI Tooling: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Gemini CLI on NixOS
- Filename:
install-gemini-cli-nixos-declarative.md - Rationale: This is the most direct, SEO-friendly option. It functions as a “how-to” guide, promising a direct solution to a specific problem, which is highly valuable for readers searching for immediate help.
- Filename:
- Preferred Option:
- Title (plain text for YAML): From npx to init: Integrating an AI Assistant into a Declarative NixOS Workflow
- Filename:
nixos-ai-assistant-declarative-workflow.md - Rationale: It’s the best blend of technical specificity and conceptual overview. It tells the reader exactly what technologies are involved (
npx,init, NixOS) while also promising a story about a complete workflow integration, making it broadly appealing and highly relevant.
4. From Raw Material to Book Chapter: Potential & Polish
- Core Strengths (as Book Material):
- Authentic Problem-Solving: It provides a transparent, blow-by-blow account of solving a real-world, non-trivial configuration problem.
- Human-AI Interaction: The entry is a primary source document showing a realistic, iterative, and imperfect collaboration between a human expert and an AI assistant, including the AI’s failures.
- Niche Technical Value: It contains a specific, practical solution for integrating auto-updating
npmpackages into an immutable NixOS system, a common pain point for Nix users. - Workflow Philosophy: It perfectly illustrates the author’s philosophy of deep tool integration and automation, connecting high-level ideas to concrete implementation.
- Leveraging for a Broader Audience (Constructive Polish):
- Add a “Why This Approach?” Sidebar: Include a short section explaining the rationale behind rejecting the simpler
nixpkgssolution. This would clarify the trade-off between stability and being on the “bleeding edge” for readers unfamiliar with NixOS development patterns. - Visualize the Workspace: Create a simple diagram or annotated screenshot showing the 7-desktop layout managed by
autognome.pyand highlighting the change on Desktop 2. This would immediately ground the reader in the author’s environment. - Extract a ‘Key Takeaway’ Box: Summarize the general pattern for integrating external tools into NixOS using the
writeShellScriptBinwrapper. This turns a specific story into a reusable lesson for the reader.
- Add a “Why This Approach?” Sidebar: Include a short section explaining the rationale behind rejecting the simpler
5. The AI’s Take: Editorial Insights & Transformative Potential
This entry is an outstanding case study for a chapter on “AI as a Systems Administration Apprentice.” It moves beyond the common narrative of AI as a simple code generator and showcases a more nuanced, collaborative dynamic. The author acts as the architect and strategist, defining the high-level goal (“I need the latest Gemini CLI, always”) and providing critical domain knowledge (rejecting the outdated repository version). The AI, in turn, acts as the diligent apprentice: it performs the research (searching Nixpkgs), proposes a solution, accepts correction, and executes the tedious, error-prone task of modifying complex configuration files.
The most compelling aspect is the raw, un-sanitized nature of the interaction, including the AI’s failed attempts to edit the autognome.py script. In a book, this is not a weakness but a profound strength. It demonstrates the reality of working with today’s AI tools: they are powerful but require precise guidance and are prone to “misunderstanding” context, just like a human junior developer. Curating this log, with annotations explaining why the AI failed and how the human corrected course, would provide an invaluable, authentic lesson in the practical art of “prompt engineering” and AI-assisted development that a polished tutorial could never achieve.
7. Prompting the Next Stage: Ideas for Further AI Refinement
- Task Suggestion 1: Generate Explanatory Analogies
- Potential Prompt Snippet for Next AI: “Based on the entry’s discussion of Nix, Docker, and system management, write a ‘Key Concepts’ section. For each term—’Declarative System’, ‘Immutable Infrastructure’, and ‘Nix Store’—provide a concise, one-paragraph explanation using a simple, non-technical analogy to make it accessible to a broader audience.”
- Task Suggestion 2: Generalize the Technical Solution
- Potential Prompt Snippet for Next AI: “Analyze the final Nix code used to install Gemini CLI in
configuration.nix. Generalize this into a reusable template called ‘The Bleeding-Edge Wrapper Pattern’. Provide a generic Nix code block with placeholders and a brief tutorial explaining how a user could adapt it to install other auto-updating tools, like a specific AppImage or another npm package, on their NixOS system.”
- Potential Prompt Snippet for Next AI: “Analyze the final Nix code used to install Gemini CLI in