How to set up a NixOS server in UpCloud

This is not about Nix, but more of a tutorial on how I set up a server using UpCloud. I decided to document the steps I took to create a NixOS playground for myself.

Requirements

• UpCloud account
• SSH keys for secure access
• At least some Linux experience

Why UpCloud

Honestly, I just checked European Alternatives and chose UpCloud, because it’s Finnish.

This a continuation to my last article about Helix.

Being inspired, but I still came back

My brief run with Helix is coming to an end for now. After using Helix for around two weeks I started having an urge to bring my Neovim config up to speed instead of launching Helix.

What I gained from trying Helix was some much-needed perspective and joy to delve into my Neovim configuration. Instead of making large changes, I mostly went through my config again trying to discover things that I had missed or forgotten about.

Investigation time

Helix has been on my mind for a long time, but I never got around to it. It is time to fix that.

I’m doing this comparison between Helix and Neovim, which has been my editor of choice for a long time.

This document is WIP, so it might not be completely factually correct. I’m writing this while learning.

Should you?

Yes, even if you are a hardcore Vimmer I think you should try Helix.