nixosSystem will set nixpkgs.flake.source to nixpkgs.outPath. allowing /etc/nix/registry.json and $NIX_PATH to be populated correctly. makeHive does not replicate this behavior, leading to surprising outcomes. Behavior such as having an empty $NIX_PATH and /etc/nix/registry.json, or falling back on an old channel if you forgot to turn channels off. I documented my debugging process here:
https://ttamttam.com/blog/sneaky-nix-channels/
nixosSystemwill setnixpkgs.flake.sourcetonixpkgs.outPath. allowing/etc/nix/registry.jsonand$NIX_PATHto be populated correctly.makeHivedoes not replicate this behavior, leading to surprising outcomes. Behavior such as having an empty$NIX_PATHand/etc/nix/registry.json, or falling back on an old channel if you forgot to turn channels off. I documented my debugging process here:https://ttamttam.com/blog/sneaky-nix-channels/