Friday, September 19, 2025 from 11:00AM-12:00PM

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.

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to: understand what Anaconda/Mamba do, the benefits of Anaconda and Mamba, when to use Anaconda and Mamba, and how to create environments and install software in Anaconda and Mamba.

In order to follow along with the hands-on component of this workshop, you’ll want to have a research computing account. If you need assistance with this, our video Creating an Account can help or you can attend CRDDS Office Hours on a Tuesday or Thursday before this course

The ability to navigate a Linux environment is useful, but not required for this training. If you would like to develop your understanding of Linux, you can attend the “Working with Linux” workshop on August 29.

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.