# Convention: Nix on illumos

Nix works on illumos, but the platform differs from Linux/macOS in ways that bite
recipes.

- **Platform tuple:** `x86_64-solaris` (primary), `aarch64-solaris` (coming up).
  Use the tuple, not `x86_64-linux`.
- **Seed toolchain + stdenv.** The bootstrap is seeded (`solnix-pkgs` carries the
  bootstrap seed/gate/cc/libc). The seed references `/usr` by design — that's a
  protected build input, not a bug.
- **The sandbox.** Builds are sandboxed and inputs pinned for reproducibility.
  Non-reproducible builds won't earn a reproducibility quorum (see
  `reproducibility-as-trust`) and so can't rise above `single` trust.
- **Install root vs bootstrap overlay:**
  - `git+https://git.solnix.io/solnix.git` — the **install root**; composes the
    full `pkgs.solnix.*`. This is what users install from.
  - `git+https://git.solnix.io/solnix-pkgs.git` — the **bootstrap overlay** input
    (`overlays.default` + bootstrap seed). An *input* to solnix.git; you don't
    install from it directly.
- **Rust and other toolchains** are built against pinned stages (seed → stage →
  wrapper). Version bumps go through the stage chain; see `bump-a-version`.
- **illumos ELF/RUNPATH** rules apply to every native output — see
  `illumos-elf-runpath`.

When in doubt, read `https://solnix.io/handbook/how-solnix-is-built` and query
`solnix_knowledge {"topic":"nix-on-illumos"}`.