Agentic data science with the Data Agent Kit
cloud.google.com·6h ago
Data Science
Simon Willison's Blog·Sep 10·5 min read
Any Nix package, live in your browser
TL;DR
TryNix.dev allows users to run any Nix package in a browser-based virtual machine powered by WebAssembly, enabling interactive access to software from the past 13 years. This innovative tool facilitates easy testing and review of code changes directly in the browser.
✦ Why It Matters
Start using TryNix.dev today to streamline your software testing and review processes.
Key Takeaways
- Explore any Nix package directly in your browser.
- Utilize trynix-preview for efficient pull request reviews.
- Leverage WebAssembly for lightweight virtual environments.
- Reduce setup time for testing software versions.
Full Summary
TryNix.dev is a platform that leverages WebAssembly to run a QEMU-powered x86_64 Linux virtual machine entirely in the browser. Users can access any Nix package from the last 13 years, making it easy to boot specific software versions, such as Python 3.6.2 from 2017, through a simple URL.
This capability is particularly useful for developers, as it allows them to test and interact with software without needing local installations. A notable feature is trynix-preview, a GitHub action that automatically comments on pull requests with a link to boot the PR’s build in the browser.
This eliminates the need for dedicated servers, streamlining the review process. The implications of this technology are significant, as it enhances collaboration and reduces setup time for testing environments.