Workshops Archive

A Simple Method for Container-Based Software Management

Workshop: HPC Systems Professionals Workshop (HPCSYSPROS25)

Authors: David Godlove (CIQ)

Abstract: HPC administrators and staff scientists are often responsible for installing and managing scientific software for users—a task complicated by complex dependencies, non-privileged environments, and the need for relocatable installations. Containers simplify this process, and many labs now distribute software as container images. However, this approach requires end users to learn how to run containers.

Here, I present a simple method for installing and managing containerized software while keeping the container approach transparent to users. It requires no special tooling aside from Apptainer and has been used successfully for years at the National Institutes of Health. The method’s benefits and limitations will be discussed.

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