The Environment Modules package is a widely used tool for managing information (module files) about installed software. It comes with integration into the shell.

• To be able to use the module command to load software.

• Comprehend that Modules can have dependencies and conflicts:
  • A Module can enforce other Modules that it depends on must be loaded before the Module itself can be loaded.
  • Conflicting modules must not be loaded at the same time (e.g. two versions of a compiler).
• Query information about packages:
  • list
  • avail
  • whatis
  • search
  • display
  • help
• Load/Unload software modules:
  • load/unload
  • purge
  • swap
  • switch
• Describe the MODULEPATH variable.