Installation

There are three ways to deploy software from ska-sdp-spack, if it is not already deployed for you (see the SKA SDP Pipelines Cookbook)

• Pre-built environments (recommended for quick start)

  • Pros - Only install what you need. - Doesn’t require building software or deeper knowledge of Spack. - Makes software available directly. - Can easily upgrade in the future.

  • Cons - Requires installing Spack and setting up build environment. - Only works on supported platforms / architectures. - No further customisability.

• Container images

  • Pros - Works on any system that can run containers. - Doesn’t require any interaction with spack or building software.

  • Cons - Installs everything (large download!). - No direct access from shell. - No customisability.

• Custom environments

  • Pros - Only install what you need. - Works on a wider set of platforms. - Full customisability.

  • Cons - Requires installing Spack and setting up build environment and building all software. - Requires manual maintainenance and therefore more Spack expertise.