SW:Python

Python

Python is an interpreted high-level programming language for general-purpose programming. Python has had many versions over the years. Most python programs run on Python 2 (example - 2.7.x) or Python 3 (example - 3.5.x).

Modules and Versions

To check the available Python modules on a cluster. Please type the following command.

  [NetID@cluster NetID]$ module spider Python

This will show many version of python complied with different toolchains. The first part of the module name (Ex - Python/3.5.1) refers to the python language version. The second part of the module name (Ex - -intel-2016a) refers to the HPRC toolchain used to compile the module.

  Python/3.5.1-intel-2016a
  Python/3.5.2-foss-2017A
  Python/3.5.2-GCCcore-6.3.0-bare
  Python/3.5.2-intel-2016a
  Python/3.5.2-intel-2016b
  Python/3.5.2-intel-2017A
  Python/3.5.2-iomkl-2017A

What is a toolchain?

A toolchain on a TAMU HPRC cluster is a collection of tools used for building software. They typically include:

• a compiler collection providing basic language support (C/Fortran/C++)
• a MPI implementation for multi-node communication
• a set of linear algebra libraries (FFTW/BLAS/LAPACK) for accelerated math

For more information on toolchains checkout our Toolchains page.

Which Python to use ?

If your project requires a specific version of python language (Ex. 2.7.11) with specific compiler than use that particular version. We recommend using the most recent toolchain (intel-2017A) with your python version. Once you decide your version In short, current recommended version for python 2 language

  Python/2.7.12-intel-2017A

Current recommended version for python 3 language

  Python/3.5.2-intel-2017A