Note: It is not recommended to install packages on the SCC without use of a Python or Conda environment. This is due to many reasons, most of which are resolved by using one of the environment options below.

Virtual Environments

The virtual environment framework allows for creation of isolated Python installations. It is the traditional tool developers use to quickly configure custom Python installations and switch between functioning environments for distinct projects. When used with pip, it is very easy to build environments and distribute requirements files for rebuilding these environments on different systems.
 

Conda Environments

The conda environment framework is an environment manager for Python distributed by Continuum Analytics. It is very similar to virtualenv and has gained traction for ease of packaging and replicating modules or entire Python environments on different systems. The distribution includes a set of core Python packages and additional user packages can be installed from remote channels.