The module environment

The Environment Modules package is a tool that simplifies shell initialization and lets users easily modify their environment. Modules can be loaded and unloaded during shell startup (i.e. in .bash_profile), in queue submission scripts, or dynamically during an interactive shell session. Loading a module simply changes environment variables.

An experimental Spack install is also available.

Common module commands include:

• module list: lists currently loaded modules

• module load XYZ: loads the default version of the XYZ module

• module load XYZ/1.0.0: loads the 1.0.0 version of the XYZ module

• module unload: unloads the XYZ module

• module purge: unloads all currently loaded modules

• module av: lists all available modules

• module av XYZ: lists all available version of the XYZ module

• module save NAME: saves the current module state to a name of your choice

• module restore NAME: restores a module state previously saved (using files in ~/.module)

While loading some modules, their dependencies must be loaded as well. For instance, loading fftw module requires at least one compiler module (such as gnu_comp or intel_comp) to be loaded.

For more information, type man module or go to the project website.

If you are unsure what a good combination of modules is for a specific software tool, please ask cosma-support, or view the code pages.

The module save and restore commands are good ways of quickly swapping between favourite module environments.