From Docker to Apptainer: Deploying Containers on the HPC Cluster

This session builds on the Docker fundamentals introduced in the previous workshop and focuses on deploying containerized applications on an HPC cluster. Participants will explore advanced techniques for creating Docker containers tailored to common scientific computing environments, including efficient installation of Python and R packages. Because containers on the HPC cluster must be executed using Apptainer, the workshop will emphasize the complete workflow for converting a local Docker image into an Apptainer image. Attendees will learn the essential steps required to ensure their isolated, functional environments can be reliably executed on the cluster. Prior participation in the previous workshop or equivalent experience with Docker is strongly recommended.
Expected outcome: Participants will build a Docker image and successfully deploy it as an Apptainer container on the Hoffman2 cluster.