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

• 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.
• Describe the general dependency structure of software.
• Describe how a package manager makes software available.
• Understand shell variables relevant for executing and building software:
  • PATH for executables
  • LD_LIBRARY_PATH for libraries
  • MANPATH for manual pages (man command)
  • PKG_CONFIG_PATH for pkg-config
• Manipulate shell variables to include additional software:
  • Setting shell variables for a single program by prefixing or by using export.