Claude Code Nix Installer (User-Local)

This Nix configuration provides a user-local installation of claude-code that doesn't require root permissions and won't interfere with auto-update capabilities.

Features

• User-local installation: Installs to ~/.local/share/claude-code/npm instead of system directories
• No sudo required: Uses npm prefix configuration to avoid permission issues
• Auto-update friendly: Includes a claude-update command for easy updates
• Preserves npm behavior: Similar to using .npmrc with custom prefix
• Includes dependencies: Automatically includes Node.js 18, git, and ripgrep

Quick Start

1. Clone or download these files to a directory
2. Enter the Nix shell:

   nix-shell

3. Run claude-code (it will auto-install on first use):

   claude

Installation Methods

Method 1: Temporary Shell (for testing)

cd /path/to/this/directory
nix-shell
claude

Method 2: System-wide (NixOS)

Add to your /etc/nixos/configuration.nix:

environment.systemPackages = [
  (import /path/to/claude-code.nix {})
];

Method 3: Home Manager

Add to your home-manager configuration:

home.packages = [
  (import /path/to/claude-code.nix {})
];

Method 4: Nix Profile (user-only)

nix-env -i -f claude-code.nix

Usage

• Run Claude Code: claude
• Update Claude Code: claude-update

File Structure

• claude-code.nix: Main Nix derivation that creates the wrapper
• shell.nix: Development shell for quick testing
• README.md: This documentation

How It Works

The Nix derivation creates a wrapper script that:

1. Sets up a user-local npm prefix (~/.local/share/claude-code/npm)
2. Checks if claude-code is installed
3. Installs it on first run if needed
4. Executes claude-code with all provided arguments

This approach ensures:

• No system-wide npm modifications
• No sudo requirements
• Easy updates via npm
• Clean separation from system packages

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues:

1. Ensure you have at least 30 credits in your Anthropic account
2. Check that ~/.local/share/claude-code has proper permissions
3. Try manually removing the installation and letting it reinstall:

   rm -rf ~/.local/share/claude-code
   claude  # Will reinstall

Notes

• Claude Code will be installed on first run, not during Nix build time
• Updates are handled through npm, preserving the auto-update functionality
• The installation is completely isolated to your user directory