Pixi Package Manager
Pixi is a cross-platform (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and multi-language (Python, R, C/C++, Rust, Ruby, and many other languages) package manager and workflow tool built on the foundation of the Conda ecosystem. It provides developers with an exceptional experience similar to popular package managers like Cargo or Yarn. For more information see Pixi documentation
Why Pixi?
Pixi enhances the Conda ecosystem with a project-focused approach that goes beyond the traditional emphasis on environments. The shift to projects provides a streamlined approach to handling dependencies and running code for modern development.
Installation
There are 2 ways to use Pixi on the Discovery Cluster. The first is to use one of the read-only global software modules. Second is to install Pixi into your home, or project directory, using our in-house tool called SStack.
See Install for instructions.
Project
The main focus of Conda and mamba is environment management, while Pixi is all about projects. A project in Pixi consists of a folder with a manifest file (either pixi.toml or pyproject.toml), a pixi.lock lock-file that describes the exact dependencies, and a .pixi folder that contains the environment.
Easy sharing and collaboration are made possible by the project-centric approach, as the project folder holds all the necessary details to recreate the environment. It enables management of multiple environments and platforms within a single project with seamless switching between them.