nix-search

Search for packages in Nix flakes

TLDR

Search Nixpkgs for a package

$ nix search nixpkgs [query]

Search with JSON output

$ nix search nixpkgs [query] --json

Search a specific flake

$ nix search [github:owner/repo] [query]

Search and exclude matching packages

$ nix search nixpkgs [query] --exclude [regex]

Search with multiple terms (AND logic)

$ nix search nixpkgs [python] [http]

SYNOPSIS

nix search flake [query...] [options]

nix search searches for packages in Nix flakes by matching against package names, attribute paths, and descriptions. Multiple search terms are ANDed together. Part of the experimental new Nix CLI (requires `nix-command` and `flakes` experimental features enabled).

PARAMETERS

flake

Flake reference to search (e.g., nixpkgs, github:owner/repo).

query

Search query as a regex. Multiple queries are ANDed together.

--json

Output results in JSON format.

-e, --exclude regex

Exclude packages whose attribute path, name, or description match the regex.

--impure

Allow access to mutable paths and external repositories.

-I, --include path

Add a path to the Nix search path for resolving lookup paths.

--offline

Operate without network access.

--refresh

Force a refresh of the flake registry and inputs before searching.

CAVEATS

Requires the nix-command and flakes experimental features to be enabled. The first search against a flake may be slow as it evaluates and caches the package set. Results depend on the flake's lock file version.