sci-env

A minimalist toolkit that automates the installation of scientific computing environments on Linux systems. Sets up Lua, Lmod (module system), and EasyBuild (software build framework) in a single user space, without root privileges after initial dependencies. Supports both RHEL/Fedora and Debian/Ubuntu derivatives, includes comprehensive testing, and requires no configuration files. Designed for HPC environments, research computing, and scientific workstations where reproducible software stacks are essential.

Components

• Lua: A lightweight, high-level scripting language designed for embedded use, configuration, and rapid prototyping. Known for its simplicity, efficiency, and excellent documentation. In this toolkit, it serves as the foundation for Lmod's module system implementation.

• Lmod: A modern replacement for environment modules that handles the dynamic modification of a user's environment. It provides a sophisticated solution for managing multiple software versions and dependencies in HPC environments. Lmod uses Lua for its implementation, offering features like module caching, hierarchical dependencies, and support for module properties.

• EasyBuild: An extensive software build and installation framework specifically designed for High Performance Computing (HPC) systems. It provides a consistent, reproducible approach to installing scientific software. EasyBuild includes thousands of ready-to-use build recipes (easyconfigs) for popular scientific software, handles dependencies automatically, and integrates seamlessly with environment modules.

These components work together to create a comprehensive scientific computing environment:

1. Lua provides the scripting foundation
2. Lmod manages the environment and software modules
3. EasyBuild automates the building and installation of scientific software

Requirements

Supported operating systems:

• RHEL-based: RHEL, CentOS, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Fedora
• Debian-based: Debian, Ubuntu

Install required development packages:

For RHEL-based systems:

sudo dnf install -y tk-devel tcl-devel python3-wheel python3-pip python3-devel

For Debian-based systems:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y tcl-dev tk-dev python3-wheel python3-pip python3-venv python3-dev

Installation & Usage

Basic Setup

For most users, the default installation in your home directory is recommended:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/dilasgoi/sci-env.git
cd sci-env

# Run installation
./scripts/install.sh

# Activate your new environment
source ~/.bashrc

# Verify installation
module --version
module avail

Advanced Installation Options

Install in a custom location:

# Install in a shared location
./scripts/install.sh -p /opt/scicomp

# Install with specific versions
./scripts/install.sh --lua-version 5.1.4.9 --lmod-version 8.7.53

# Get help on all options
./scripts/install.sh --help

Using Your New Environment

After installation, you can:

# List available modules
module avail

# Load EasyBuild
module load EasyBuild

# Get information about EasyBuild
module help EasyBuild

# Show currently loaded modules
module list

# Search for specific software
module spider python

# Install new software with EasyBuild
eb Python-3.11.3-GCCcore-12.3.0.eb

Installation creates this structure:

$PREFIX/
├── build/          # EasyBuild build directory
├── modules/all/    # Module files for installed software
├── software/       # Installed components and software
└── src/           # Source files and archives

Testing

sci-env includes a comprehensive testing framework to ensure reliable operation across different Linux distributions.

Why Testing Matters

Our testing approach ensures:

• Each component works correctly in isolation
• Components work together as a system
• Installation succeeds in different environments
• System configurations are correct
• Environment variables are properly set
• Cross-distribution compatibility

Types of Tests

Component Tests

Test individual parts of the system:

./tests/test_components.sh

These verify:

• Lua installation and functionality
• Lmod installation and basic module operations
• EasyBuild installation and configuration
• Environment variable setup
• Component dependencies
• Distribution-specific adaptations

Example component test output:

2024-11-25 15:10:23 - Starting component tests...
✓ Test passed: Lua Installation
✓ Test passed: Lua Environment
✓ Test passed: Lmod Installation
✓ Test passed: Lmod Environment
...

Integration Tests

Test the complete system working together:

./tests/test_installation.sh

These verify:

• Full installation process
• System-wide configuration
• Component interactions
• Module system functionality
• EasyBuild operations
• Cross-distribution compatibility

Running Tests

# Run both test suites
./tests/test_components.sh
./tests/test_installation.sh

# Run with debug output
bash -x ./tests/test_components.sh

Project Structure

sci-env/
├── scripts/
│   ├── install.sh                 # Main installer
│   └── utils/
│       ├── helpers.sh            # Common utilities
│       ├── install_easybuild.sh  # EasyBuild installer
│       ├── install_lmod.sh       # Lmod installer
│       └── install_lua.sh        # Lua installer
└── tests/
    ├── test_components.sh        # Component tests
    ├── test_installation.sh      # Integration tests
    └── utils/
        ├── test_framework.sh     # Test framework
        └── test_helpers.sh       # Test utilities

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Module command not found

   # Solution: Reload your environment
   source ~/.bashrc

2. Lua compilation fails

   # For RHEL-based systems:
   sudo dnf install -y tk-devel tcl-devel
   
   # For Debian-based systems:
   sudo apt-get install -y tcl-dev tk-dev

3. Python package installation fails

   # For RHEL-based systems:
   sudo dnf install -y python3-devel python3-venv
   
   # For Debian-based systems:
   sudo apt-get install -y python3-dev python3-venv

4. EasyBuild module not loading

   # Solution: Rebuild module cache
   module --ignore_cache load EasyBuild

Debug Mode

For detailed installation information:

# Run installation with debug output
bash -x scripts/install.sh

# Check environment variables
echo $MODULEPATH
echo $LD_LIBRARY_PATH

# Check package manager
if command -v dnf &> /dev/null; then
    echo "RHEL-based system detected"
elif command -v apt-get &> /dev/null; then
    echo "Debian-based system detected"
fi

Component Details

Current stable versions:

• Lua: 5.1.4.9 (tested and stable version for Lmod)
• Lmod: 8.7.53 (includes hierarchical module features)
• EasyBuild: Latest stable version (automatically selected)

Tested Distributions:

• RHEL and derivatives (RHEL, CentOS, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Fedora)
• Debian and derivatives (Debian, Ubuntu)

License

MIT License