nix-shell

creates temporary development environments

TLDR

Enter shell with package

$ nix-shell -p [hello]

Enter shell from default.nix

$ nix-shell

Enter shell from file

$ nix-shell [shell.nix]

Run command in shell

$ nix-shell -p [jq] --run "[jq --version]"

Pure shell

$ nix-shell --pure -p [python3]

Multiple packages

$ nix-shell -p [python3] [nodejs] [git]

SYNOPSIS

nix-shell [options] [path]

DESCRIPTION

nix-shell creates temporary development environments. Provides packages without installing.The tool sets up shell with dependencies. Exits cleanly without system changes.

PARAMETERS

PATH

Nix expression file.

-p PACKAGES

Packages to include.

--run CMD

Command to execute.

--pure

Clear environment.

-A ATTR

Use specific attribute.

-I PATH

Add path to Nix expression search path (e.g., `-I nixpkgs=/path/to/nixpkgs`).

--command CMD

Run a command then stay in the shell (unlike `--run`, which exits after).

--keep VAR

Keep an environment variable when using `--pure`.

--packages

Long form of `-p`.

-i INTERPRETER

Use as a shebang interpreter (see `#!nix-shell` scripts).

--help

Display help information.

CAVEATS

Legacy command. Consider nix develop. Per-invocation environment.

HISTORY

nix-shell is a core Nix command for creating temporary development shells.