Environment modules are used to manage the software packages on available on Talapas.
Environment Modules
Environment modules allow us to make multiple versions of the same software available on a single system. For a particular application may require GCC version 5.4 to compile correctly, while another may need version 6.1. Using environment modules we can keep both version on the same system and move between the two with minimal effort. We use the LMOD module software from TACC on Talapas. For information on using modules to load and unload software see our how-to guide on modules.
LMOD and Hierarchical Modules
One of the advantages of LMOD over the classical module software found on many legacy systems is it's hierarchical nature. Modules are aware of their compiler and MPI dependencies and can only be loaded if their dependencies are already loaded.
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