Research software is often complex and difficult to manage, particularly on shared high-performance computing systems like the Alpine cluster housed at CU Boulder. Conda is an open-source software and environment management system that makes it easy to install complex software packages and their dependencies. Conda supports multiple languages and is particularly well-suited for managing python and R software environments. In this RC Primer* we will cover using Conda, and its newer, faster relative, “Mamba”, to create python and R environments on the Alpine cluster.

In order to follow along with the hands-on component of this workshop, you’ll want to have a research computing account. We will be available for CRDDS Office Hours immediately after this training for any follow-up questions.

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* What is an RC Primer? An RC Primer is a session that provide an introduction to concepts, systems, and tools. You can expect to leave "Primers" with an introductory-level understanding of the topic.