Module System Documentation

The module system allows users to dynamically manage their shell environment on the cluster, especially for loading different versions of compilers, libraries, and applications without modifying environment variables manually.

Modules are small configuration files that set or unset environment variables like `PATH`, `LD_LIBRARY_PATH`, `MANPATH`, etc. They enable users to:

• Load specific software versions
• Switch between different tools or compilers
• Keep user environments clean and reproducible

The cluster typically uses the Environment Modules or Lmod system.

Here are some commonly used commands:

• module avail

Lists all available modules.

• module list

Shows currently loaded modules.

• module load <module_name>

Loads the specified module into your environment.

• module unload <module_name>

Unloads the specified module.

• module purge

Unloads all currently loaded modules.

• module show <module_name>

Displays what the module file does (useful for debugging or inspection).

Example:

 module load gcc/11.2.0    # Require a gcc compiler version 11.2.0.
 module load openmpi/4.1.1 # Require openmpi library version 4.1.1