Graft

TOML-driven Podman Quadlet containers, built from the Nix store.

Graft turns small TOML files into rootfs-based Podman Quadlet services for NixOS and Home Manager. You describe container intent; Graft resolves the runtime details; Nix materialises the rootfs and Quadlet output; systemd runs the result like any other service.

Use the GitHub README as the repository landing page, then use this manual for deeper design, reference, and contributor details.

Start here

• Overview explains the current architecture and data flow.
• Design documents the boundaries between TOML, CLI, Nix modules, and Quadlet output.
• Quadlet output describes the generated .container files.
• Roadmap describes the longer-term direction.
• Non-goals and deferred scope lists deliberate exclusions.
• Reference links to the annotated TOML reference and current module options.
• Development captures contributor workflow and renderer checklists.

Current scope

The current MVP focuses on rootfs-store containers:

• TOML to resolved JSON stdout
• NixOS system/rootful Quadlet output
• Home Manager user/rootless Quadlet output
• manual start/stop through systemd
• packages and commands resolved from TOML
• useful Quadlet rendering for identity, working directory, environment, environment files, published ports, volumes, and service timing
• clean shutdown through graft-pause