/concepts/flakes: add dependency management alternative flake = false; - #1213
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clarifies that specifying `flake = false;` on flake inputs can help resolve some of its drawbacks - in this case (if used consistently) getting [duplicate versions](https://zimbatm.com/notes/1000-instances-of-nixpkgs) and having to set `follows`. (this would not solve eager fetching, which would instead be addressed by [lazy trees](NixOS/nix#13225).) to make it more explicit what alternatives address what, a proper approach might be NixOS#1212.
friedow
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Mar 17, 2026
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Explaining the usage of flake = false is very valuable to the flakes documentation. I think just mentioning this as an alternative under dependency management does not explain the feature well enough though.
I'd suggest explaining what flake = false does in an own paragraph, or two :). Would you want to change this PR this way?
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I'd add a heading just for this concept and add a reference here to that heading. So this section stays focused. |
friedow
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Mar 17, 2026
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clarifies that specifying
flake = false;on flake inputs can help resolve some of its drawbacks - in this case (if used consistently) getting duplicate versions and having to setfollows. (this would not solve eager fetching, which would instead be addressed by lazy trees.)to make it more explicit what alternatives address what, a proper approach might be #1212.