We commonly ask computers to do heavy lifting for us in terms of calculations and running code. Still, large projects can take a long time to run, compete with resources needed for other tasks, and even exceed our hardware capabilities. As such, it’s often helpful to outsource tasks to remote clusters and cloud computers to get work done. Because graphical user interface (GUI) options are not always available, it’s imperative we know our way around the command line.

In this short course, participants will have the opportunity to build a simple bash script and practice running it on a cluster platform. No prior knowledge of the command line, shell, or cluster computing is required: this course is open to everyone! Just bring your laptop and join us! Those in attendance will learn and practice:

* locating and identifying a local terminal emulator
* navigating and managing local file systems using the command line
* locating “hidden” or “dot” files to modify system settings
* creating aliases for repetitive tasks
* connecting to a remote server using Secure Shell (SSH)
* creating and saving a BASH script
* scheduling tasks to run remotely using a workload manager

Additional side quests (time and resources permitting) may include:

* test drive an alternative desktop environment
* personalize the local environment/workspace
* use skills to run practical examples (grow ice crystals, simulate a tsunami, calculate river discharge, BYO code)

We envision a team-oriented “hackathon” style activity, where groups organized around scientific discipline and/or preferred desktop environment get to know their local terminal emulators, connect to a remote server, and schedule some code relevant to their work to run on shared resources.