Using custom xkbmaps

Using custom xkbmaps

[Kristoffer Ström]

Hello, in my day-to day i'm using a custom xkbmap that i've been
developing over the last decade or so, and i'm looking to migrate to
guix system.

However, i have found no straightforward way to include a custom mapping
(basically just a symbols file) into my operating-system declarations.

Looking around the list history i only found suggestions to patch the
xkeyboard-config package.

However, i am not at all sure how to do this in practice.

I'm not looking to set up my own channel yet, so i would prefer if the
solution could just be included in the scheme file that defines my
operating-system.

Is there a straightforward way to add a patch-step to this specific
package in a os definition file, or should i be looking at alternative
solutions?

Pointers to your own solutions to this feature would also be
appriciated!

Happy hacking,
Kristoffer

Re: Using custom xkbmaps

[Felix Lechner via]

Hi Kristoffer,

On Wed, Mar 13 2024, Kristoffer Ström wrote:

> i'm using a custom xkbmap that i've been developing over the last
> decade or so, and i'm looking to migrate to guix system.

When I switched to Guix, I gave up my own Rocket layout. [1] Where is
your layout, please?

> i have found no straightforward way to include a custom mapping
> ... into my operating-system declarations.

That is a well-known restriction, although very few people care about
it..

> Looking around the list history i only found suggestions to patch the
> xkeyboard-config package.

I am now good enough with Guix to propose a generalized solution.  I am
not sure it would involve patching the existing package in the
conventional sense but am curious to read about it.  Where did you find
it, please?

Kind regards
Felix

P.S. Sorry to read about your sister, Amy.

[1] https://codeberg.org/lechner/rocket-layout

Re: Using custom xkbmaps

[Kristoffer Ström]

> When I switched to Guix, I gave up my own Rocket layout. [1] Where is
> your layout, please?

It's a personalized layout that i have no intention of sharing, but it
has some similarities with your rocket, but using space for lv3-shift
rather than ctrl.

> I am now good enough with Guix to propose a generalized solution.  I am
> not sure it would involve patching the existing package in the
> conventional sense but am curious to read about it.  Where did you find
> it, please?

https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/help-guix/2020-04/msg00030.html

> Kind regards
> Felix
>
> P.S. Sorry to read about your sister, Amy.

I have no sister named Amy, i believe you're confusing me with someone else.