.. _cluster-software:

********
Software
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The CoSTAR cluster supports multiple software workflows. Whether you need a modern containerised pipeline, a quick Python environment, or a graphical interface, you have total control over your software stack.

Choose your preferred workflow below to learn more:

.. raw:: html

   <div style="margin-bottom: 50px;"></div>

.. grid:: 1 1 3 3
   :gutter: 3
   :margin: 1

   .. grid-item-card:: :octicon:`package` Containers
      :link: software-container
      :link-type: ref

      The recommended HPC standard. Build once, run anywhere, and ensure perfect reproducibility.

      * **Apptainer:** The natively supported platform on CoSTAR.
      * **Docker:** Easily convert Docker workflows to Apptainer.
      * **Registries:** Pull directly from Docker Hub or University registries.

   .. grid-item-card:: :octicon:`browser` Interactive Apps
      :link: software-ood
      :link-type: ref

      Graphical user interfaces and real-time interactivity directly in your web browser.

      Launch interactive desktop sessions and graphical tools including **JupyterLab**, **VS Code**, and **MATLAB** without any command-line setup.


   .. grid-item-card:: :octicon:`terminal` Virtual Environments (Conda)
      :link: software-conda
      :link-type: ref

      Manage Python and R dependencies locally within your home directory.

      Read our full guide on setting up **Miniconda**, which is our recommended tool for handling complex scientific packages and GPU dependencies.

      Note: Standard tools like Python's built-in ``venv`` or high-speed managers like ``uv`` also work well on the cluster.



Requesting New Software
=======================

CoSTAR is designed for **users to manage their own software stacks** using :ref:`Containers <software-container>` or virtual environments such as :ref:`Conda <software-conda>`.

If you are unable to install a tool yourself, or if you need a shared interactive application added to Open OnDemand, please refer to our :ref:`Software Request Guide <support-request-software>` on the Support page.

.. toctree::
   :hidden:

   container
   ood
   jupyterlab
   conda
   vscode
   checkpointing