.. _tutorials-onboarding-m3-quiz:

Quiz
====
Use this interactive quiz to verify your understanding of the CoSTAR software ecosystem,
environment management, and container workflows.


These questions are browser-side self-checks. They are not formally graded and can be retaken as many times as needed.

.. raw:: html

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.. quizdown::

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   ### Virtual environments (e.g., Conda or venv) on CoSTAR are primarily used to:

   1. [ ] Automatically distribute jobs across all cluster nodes.
   1. [ ] Grant users root-level privileges to perform system-wide software installations.
   1. [x] Create isolated, project-specific environments that can be managed by the user.
       > Correct. This allows you to install specific library versions for your research without affecting other users.
   1. [ ] Provide a graphical interface for simplified package management.

   ### Which of the following are characteristics of Apptainer (Singularity) containers used on CoSTAR?

   Select all that apply:

   - [ ] They automatically parallelise applications across multiple nodes.
   - [x] They ensure consistent execution across different environments by bundling the software and dependencies.
       > Correct. This is the "Build once, run anywhere" principle of containerization.
   - [ ] Users must request temporary root privileges from admins to run them.
       > Incorrect. Unlike Docker, Apptainer is designed to run with standard user privileges for HPC security.
   - [x] They package complete software stacks into a single portable image file.
       > Correct. All required libraries and binaries are contained within the .sif image.
   - [x] They run securely with the user's current privileges in shared environments.
       > Correct. This makes them the gold standard for secure software deployment on supercomputers.

   ### What is the recommended best practice before submitting a long-running, large-scale training job?

   1. [ ] Request an additional RAM from the cluster admins.
   1. [x] Run with small data sets and a short runtime first.
       > Correct. Testing your environment and script logic on a small scale prevents wasted allocation and long waiting times.
   1. [ ] Increase your walltime to the maximum allowed limit regardless of job size.
   1. [ ] Skip the testing phase to ensure your job enters the queue as quickly as possible.

   ### Why are containers the default method for software deployment on CoSTAR?

   1. [ ] To increase the network bandwidth during large data transfers.
   1. [x] Because CoSTAR does not provide centrally installed software, and containers ensure controlled, reproducible environments.
       > Correct. While CoSTAR provides only base modules, containers allow you to define every single dependency required for your specific research.
   1. [ ] To automatically parallelise all applications for the user.
   1. [ ] To replace the Slurm scheduler for more efficient job management.

   ### On CoSTAR, who is primarily responsible for managing the research software stack?

   1. [ ] The HPC admins, who provide system-wide modules for research libraries.
   1. [ ] The Slurm scheduler, which automatically detects and installs missing requirements at runtime.
   1. [x] The user (adhering to the "Bring Your Own Software Stack" principle).
       > Correct. You have the flexibility and responsibility to manage the specific software tools needed for your work.
   1. [ ] Open OnDemand, which installs software automatically via the web interface.