mxqi-annonce.md

# Interactive Session Management with mxqi Tool

## Overview

Users have reported several issues with the shared public compute servers, primarily due to the erratic use of resources such as memory, processors, and scratch disk space, which can be depleted by other users. To address these issues, we are introducing a new tool called `mxqi`.

This tool is designed to provide a more controlled environment for interactive sessions while ensuring access to guaranteed resources.

## High-Performance Computing with mxqsub

The computer cluster, accessible via the `mxqsub` command [^1], offers high-performance and reliable resources.
However, there are scenarios where interactive usage is preferred, such as for experimentation or one-shot computations, where developing a non-interactive pipeline isn't justified.

[^1]: https://intranet.molgen.mpg.de/en/service/scientific-service/it/infos/cluster/

## Introducing mxqi

With `mxqi`, you can request an interactive session with guaranteed resources, such as memory, processors, and fast scratch disk space (`$TMPDIR`), along with a defined runtime. Although GPU requests are implemented, GPU server usage via `mxqi` is currently not available.

### Features of mxqi

- **Guaranteed Resources:** Limited but assured memory, processors, and scratch disk space.
- **Interactive Sessions:** Ideal for experimentation and development with X11 forwarding enabled.
- **Strict Session Management:** Your session will be terminated if memory or runtime limits are exceeded. Be prepared for a "hard kill" if you surpass the requested memory or runtime limits. On the other hand, scratch directory size and the number of processors are just limited and will not cause session termination.

To start an interactive session, simply run the `mxqi` command. For more advanced usage information, use `mxqi --help`.

### Usage Policies

To ensure fair and efficient use of resources, please adhere to the following policies:

1. **Exit Sessions Promptly:** Leave the session as soon as you no longer need it.
2. **Request Resources Judiciously:** Only ask for additional memory or processors if absolutely necessary.
3. **Avoid Persistent Sessions:** Do not use screen or tmux to keep `mxqi` sessions open while unattended.
4. **Single Session Management:** Avoid running `mxqi` multiple times. If you need multiple windows, open new ones from within a single `mxqi` session using commands like `xfce4-terminal &`.

### Feedback

The `mxqi` tool is currently in the experimental phase and may be discontinued or expanded based on user feedback. We highly encourage users to provide feedback to help us improve the tool.
	# Interactive Session Management with mxqi Tool

	## Overview

	Users have reported several issues with the shared public compute servers, primarily due to the erratic use of resources such as memory, processors, and scratch disk space, which can be depleted by other users. To address these issues, we are introducing a new tool called `mxqi`.

	This tool is designed to provide a more controlled environment for interactive sessions while ensuring access to guaranteed resources.

	## High-Performance Computing with mxqsub

	The computer cluster, accessible via the `mxqsub` command [^1], offers high-performance and reliable resources.
	However, there are scenarios where interactive usage is preferred, such as for experimentation or one-shot computations, where developing a non-interactive pipeline isn't justified.

	[^1]: https://intranet.molgen.mpg.de/en/service/scientific-service/it/infos/cluster/

	## Introducing mxqi

	With `mxqi`, you can request an interactive session with guaranteed resources, such as memory, processors, and fast scratch disk space (`$TMPDIR`), along with a defined runtime. Although GPU requests are implemented, GPU server usage via `mxqi` is currently not available.

	### Features of mxqi

	- Guaranteed Resources: Limited but assured memory, processors, and scratch disk space.
	- Interactive Sessions: Ideal for experimentation and development with X11 forwarding enabled.
	- Strict Session Management: Your session will be terminated if memory or runtime limits are exceeded. Be prepared for a "hard kill" if you surpass the requested memory or runtime limits. On the other hand, scratch directory size and the number of processors are just limited and will not cause session termination.

	To start an interactive session, simply run the `mxqi` command. For more advanced usage information, use `mxqi --help`.

	### Usage Policies

	To ensure fair and efficient use of resources, please adhere to the following policies:

	1. Exit Sessions Promptly: Leave the session as soon as you no longer need it.
	2. Request Resources Judiciously: Only ask for additional memory or processors if absolutely necessary.
	3. Avoid Persistent Sessions: Do not use screen or tmux to keep `mxqi` sessions open while unattended.
	4. Single Session Management: Avoid running `mxqi` multiple times. If you need multiple windows, open new ones from within a single `mxqi` session using commands like `xfce4-terminal &`.

	### Feedback

	The `mxqi` tool is currently in the experimental phase and may be discontinued or expanded based on user feedback. We highly encourage users to provide feedback to help us improve the tool.