---

name: nix-naming description: "Nix naming conventions and code style. Use when naming variables, files, or organizing attributes in Nix code."

Naming Conventions

Quick Reference

Variables

Copylet
  # Correct - camelCase
  userName = "khaneliman";
  serverHostname = "myserver";
  enableAutoStart = true;

  # Wrong
  user_name = "...";      # snake_case
  UserName = "...";       # PascalCase
in

The cfg Pattern

Always use this pattern:

Copylet
  cfg = config.khanelinix.programs.myApp;
in
{
  config = lib.mkIf cfg.enable { ... };
}

File Naming

Copy# Correct - kebab-case
modules/home/programs/my-app/default.nix
modules/nixos/services/my-service.nix

# Wrong
modules/home/programs/myApp/default.nix   # camelCase
modules/nixos/services/my_service.nix    # snake_case

Attribute Organization

Group by function, then alphabetical:

Copy{
  # Options first
  options.namespace.module = { ... };

  # Config second
  config = {
    # Group related settings
    programs.git = { ... };
    programs.vim = { ... };

    # Then packages
    home.packages = [ ... ];
  };
}

Formatting

• Use nixfmt for consistent formatting
• Prefer flat dot-notation: services.nginx.enable = true
• Avoid deep nesting when flat works