---
title: Configuration
description: Private overlay, packages, and tracked app config.
---

Behaviour prefers CLI flags. Environment variables cover process context and secrets. Machine-specific and private data stay in `~/.config/dotfiles-private`.

| Piece | Why |
| --- | --- |
| Private overlay | Host-only config, secrets, package lists, browser checks, `dot-git.yml` |
| Public packages | Signed `timmo` repo plus AUR where needed |
| Private packages | Optional private pacman repo via the private publish flow |
| Stow packages | App config in this repo; see [Stow packages](/stow/) and the Desktop / Agents pages |
| Env vars | `DOT_*`, `DOTFILES_*`, and `OMARCHY_*` influence `dot` and session tooling |

| Private file (typical) | Role |
| --- | --- |
| `dot-git.yml` | Managed repos, shortcuts, notifications, activity |
| Package manifests | Private pacman / install lists |
| Browser checks | Machine-specific doctor expectations |
| MCP spec (`mcp.yml`) | Source for `dot mcp-sync` |

Prefer reading the stowed source and private YAML over expanding this page further. Flags and env details live in `dot --help` and code.