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Simplify to remote include statement: include from "github:...@hash"
This dramatically simplifies the implementation by removing unnecessary complexity (CLI, annotations) and using the clean design requested: ```groovy include { BOWTIE_ALIGN } from "github:nf-core/modules/modules/bowtie/align@abc123" ``` ## What Changed ### Removed (Unnecessary Complexity) - ❌ CmdModules.groovy - No CLI needed - ❌ CmdModulesTest.groovy - No CLI tests - ❌ GrabModule.groovy - No annotation needed - ❌ GrabModuleTransform.groovy - No AST transform needed - ❌ Registration in Launcher.groovy ### Added (Core Functionality) - ✅ Enhanced IncludeDef.groovy - Support remote URLs - ✅ Remote module resolution via AssetManager - ✅ Integrity verification via ModuleLockfile - ✅ Security mode handling (strict/warn/permissive) - ✅ IncludeDefRemoteTest.groovy - Tests for remote includes - ✅ modules-remote-includes.md - Comprehensive user guide ### Modified - ✅ IncludeDef.groovy - Enhanced include statement - Detects remote URLs (github:, gitlab:, bitbucket:) - Downloads via AssetManager (same as pipelines) - Verifies SHA-256 hashes from modules.lock - Handles security modes - ✅ modules-command.md - Simplified to quick start guide ## Design Rationale **Question:** "I really want `include from "github:..."` to work" **Answer:** Done! This is the cleanest possible design because: 1. **Familiar Pattern** - Same as `nextflow run github:...` 2. **No New Syntax** - Just enhanced existing `include` 3. **Same Infrastructure** - Uses existing AssetManager 4. **Security Built-in** - SHA-256 verification via modules.lock ## How It Works ### First Run: ``` 1. Parse remote URL: github:owner/repo/path@revision 2. Download repo via AssetManager (cached in .nextflow/assets/) 3. Calculate SHA-256 hash of module directory 4. Save hash to modules.lock 5. Module ready to use ``` ### Subsequent Runs: ``` 1. Load expected hash from modules.lock 2. Calculate current hash 3. Compare → Pass/Fail based on security mode 4. Module ready to use (no re-download) ``` ## Implementation Details **IncludeDef.checkValidPath():** - Before: Threw error on remote URLs - After: Allows remote URLs, validates format **IncludeDef.resolveModulePath():** - Before: Only handled local paths - After: Detects remote URLs, calls resolveRemoteModule() **IncludeDef.resolveRemoteModule():** - New method that handles remote module resolution - Uses ModuleManager to parse references - Uses AssetManager to download repositories - Uses ModuleLockfile for integrity verification - Handles security modes (strict/warn/permissive) ## Usage Example ```groovy nextflow.enable.dsl=2 // Remote modules - auto-download, hash, verify include { FASTQC } from "github:nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@abc123" include { MULTIQC } from "github:nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/multiqc@def456" // Local modules - existing behavior include { CUSTOM } from "./modules/custom.nf" workflow { FASTQC(Channel.fromPath(params.reads)) MULTIQC(FASTQC.out.zip.collect()) } ``` ## Security Configuration ```groovy // nextflow.config modules { security = 'strict' // strict|warn|permissive (default: strict) } ``` ## Benefits **Simplicity:** - ✅ No CLI commands to learn - ✅ No annotations to remember - ✅ Just use familiar `include` statement **Consistency:** - ✅ Same pattern as pipeline imports - ✅ Same infrastructure (AssetManager) - ✅ Same user experience **Security:** - ✅ Cryptographic integrity (SHA-256) - ✅ Tamper detection - ✅ Reproducible via modules.lock **Flexibility:** - ✅ Three security modes - ✅ Works offline after first run - ✅ Supports all Git providers ## Comparison ### Original Issue Request: ```groovy include { BOWTIE_ALIGN } from "github:nf-core/modules/modules/bowtie/align@somehashabcd" ``` ### What We Built: ```groovy include { BOWTIE_ALIGN } from "github:nf-core/modules/modules/bowtie/align@abc123" ``` **Exactly as requested!** ✨ ## Testing - IncludeDefRemoteTest.groovy - Unit tests - Remote URL detection - Path validation - Security mode handling - Integration with existing tests - ModuleLockfileTest.groovy - Integrity verification tests ## Documentation - modules-remote-includes.md - Comprehensive guide - Quick start - Security model - Best practices - Migration guide - FAQ - modules-command.md - Simplified quick reference - modules-security-model.md - Security deep dive (existing) This is the clean, simple design that was requested. No unnecessary complexity, just enhanced `include` with security.
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docs/modules-command.md

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# Nextflow Modules Command
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# Nextflow Remote Modules
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## Overview
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The `nextflow modules` command provides comprehensive module management with **three** approaches to fit different workflows:
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1. **CLI Commands** - Manual, explicit installation (like nf-core modules)
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2. **@GrabModule Annotation** - Automatic resolution with security (like Go/Deno/Groovy)
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3. **Direct Include** - Local files only (existing behavior)
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This addresses issue #4112 with a security-first design inspired by modern package managers.
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## Quick Start
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### Approach 1: Automatic with @GrabModule (Recommended)
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Nextflow supports remote module imports directly in `include` statements, using the same infrastructure that powers remote pipeline execution:
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```groovy
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nextflow.enable.dsl=2
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@GrabModule('nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@abc123')
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include { FASTQC } from 'nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc'
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workflow {
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FASTQC(Channel.fromPath(params.reads))
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}
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include { BOWTIE_ALIGN } from "github:nf-core/modules/modules/bowtie/align@abc123"
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```
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**What happens:**
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- First run: Downloads module, calculates SHA-256 hash, saves to modules.lock
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- Subsequent runs: Verifies hash matches modules.lock (prevents tampering)
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- Security: Cryptographic integrity verification (like Go modules, Deno)
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### Approach 2: Manual CLI Installation
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**Just like:**
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```bash
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nextflow modules install nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@abc123
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```
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Then use in workflow:
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```groovy
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include { FASTQC } from './modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc/main.nf'
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```
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### Approach 3: Local Only (Current Behavior)
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```groovy
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include { FASTQC } from './local/modules/fastqc/main.nf'
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```
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## Security Model
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See [Module Security Model](modules-security-model.md) for comprehensive security documentation.
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**Key Points:**
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-**Cryptographic integrity** - SHA-256 hashes prevent tampering
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-**Reproducible builds** - modules.lock ensures same code everywhere
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-**Three security modes** - strict (default), warn, permissive
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-**Inspired by Go, Deno, npm** - Industry-proven approaches
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### How Security Works
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nextflow run github:nextflow-io/hello
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```
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1. Install/Download → Calculate SHA-256 → Save to modules.lock
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2. Next run → Verify SHA-256 → Pass/Fail based on security mode
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3. Any modification → Hash mismatch → Detected
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```
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## Design Philosophy
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This implementation provides **secure automatic dependency resolution** that:
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1. Downloads and caches modules with cryptographic verification
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2. Maintains explicit dependency tracking via `modules.json` and `modules.lock`
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3. Enables offline usage after initial installation
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4. Works seamlessly with existing `include` statements
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5. Prevents tampering through SHA-256 integrity checks
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## Architecture
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### Components
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1. **ModuleManager** (`nextflow.module.ModuleManager`)
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- Core business logic for module operations
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- Handles module parsing, installation, removal, and updates
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- Manages `modules.json` configuration file
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- Leverages existing `AssetManager` infrastructure for repository access
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2. **CmdModules** (`nextflow.cli.CmdModules`)
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- CLI command interface with subcommands
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- User-friendly output and error handling
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- Registered in `Launcher.groovy`
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3. **modules.json** - Module registry format
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```json
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{
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"modules": {
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"fastqc": {
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"source": "github:nf-core/modules",
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"path": "modules/nf-core/fastqc",
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"revision": "abc123def",
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"installedPath": "modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc"
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}
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}
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}
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```
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**Same pattern, same simplicity.**
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## Usage
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### Module Reference Format
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Modules are referenced using the following format:
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```
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[provider:]owner/repository/path@revision
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```
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- **provider** (optional): Git provider (`github`, `gitlab`, `bitbucket`). Defaults to `github`.
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- **owner**: Repository owner or organization
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- **repository**: Repository name
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- **path**: Path to module within repository
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- **revision**: Git commit hash, tag, or branch name
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### Commands
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#### Install a Module
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Install a module from a remote repository:
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```bash
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nextflow modules install github:nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@master
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# Short syntax (defaults to github)
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nextflow modules install nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@abc123
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# Force reinstall
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nextflow modules install --force nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@master
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```
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Output:
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```
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Installing module from: github:nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@master
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✓ Module installed successfully!
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Name: fastqc
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Source: github:nf-core/modules
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Path: modules/nf-core/fastqc
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Revision: abc123def456
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Location: modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc
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You can now include this module in your workflow:
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include { FASTQC } from './modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc/main.nf'
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```
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#### List Installed Modules
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View all installed modules:
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```bash
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nextflow modules list
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```
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Output:
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```
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Installed modules:
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NAME SOURCE REVISION
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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fastqc github:nf-core/modules/modules/nf-... abc123def4
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multiqc github:nf-core/modules/modules/nf-... def456ghi7
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Total: 2 module(s)
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```
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#### Get Module Information
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Show detailed information about an installed module:
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```bash
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nextflow modules info fastqc
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```
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Output:
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```
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Module: fastqc
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============================================================
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Source: github:nf-core/modules
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Path: modules/nf-core/fastqc
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Revision: abc123def456
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Installed Path: modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc
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Include Statement:
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include { FASTQC } from './modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc/main.nf'
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```
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#### Update a Module
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Update an installed module to a new revision:
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```bash
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# Update to latest version (re-downloads at same revision)
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nextflow modules update fastqc
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# Update to specific revision
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nextflow modules update fastqc def456ghi789
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```
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Output:
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```
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Updating module: fastqc
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✓ Module updated successfully!
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Name: fastqc
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Revision: def456ghi789
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Location: modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc
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```
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#### Remove a Module
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Remove an installed module:
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```bash
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nextflow modules remove fastqc
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```
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Output:
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```
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✓ Module 'fastqc' removed successfully
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```
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## Integration with Workflows
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After installing modules, use them in your workflow with standard `include` statements:
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## Quick Start
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```groovy
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nextflow.enable.dsl=2
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// Include installed module
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include { FASTQC } from './modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc/main.nf'
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include { MULTIQC } from './modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/multiqc/main.nf'
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workflow {
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input_ch = Channel.fromPath(params.reads)
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FASTQC(input_ch)
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MULTIQC(FASTQC.out.zip.collect())
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}
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```
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## Example Workflow
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Complete example of using the modules command:
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```bash
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# Create a new project
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mkdir my-pipeline && cd my-pipeline
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# Install required modules
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nextflow modules install nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@master
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nextflow modules install nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/multiqc@master
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# List installed modules
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nextflow modules list
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# Create your workflow (main.nf)
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cat > main.nf << 'EOF'
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nextflow.enable.dsl=2
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include { FASTQC } from './modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc/main.nf'
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include { MULTIQC } from './modules/nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/multiqc/main.nf'
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// Remote modules - auto-downloaded and verified
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include { FASTQC } from "github:nf-core/modules/modules/nf-core/fastqc@abc123"
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workflow {
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Channel
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.fromPath(params.reads)
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.set { reads_ch }
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FASTQC(reads_ch)
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MULTIQC(FASTQC.out.zip.collect())
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FASTQC(Channel.fromPath(params.reads))
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}
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EOF
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# Run the workflow
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nextflow run main.nf --reads 'data/*.fastq.gz'
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```
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## Implementation Details
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### Module Storage
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- **Location**: `<project-root>/modules/`
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- **Structure**: Mirrors remote repository structure
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- **Compatibility**: Works with existing `include` system (local file paths only)
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### Module Resolution
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1. Parse module reference
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2. Use `AssetManager` to clone/download repository at specified revision
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3. Locate module files within repository
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4. Copy to local `modules/` directory
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5. Track in `modules.json`
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### Offline Support
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Once modules are installed, they are available for offline use:
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- Modules are stored as local files
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- `modules.json` tracks all dependencies
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- No network access required after installation
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### Error Handling
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Comprehensive error handling for:
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- Invalid module references
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- Network failures during download
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- Missing module files
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- Corrupted `modules.json`
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- Duplicate installations
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- Non-existent modules during removal/update
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## Testing
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### Unit Tests
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Run unit tests:
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```bash
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./gradlew test --tests ModuleManagerTest
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./gradlew test --tests CmdModulesTest
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```
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### Integration Tests
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Integration tests require network access and GitHub token:
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Run it:
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```bash
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export NXF_GITHUB_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_token_here
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./gradlew test --tests ModuleManagerIntegrationTest
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nextflow run main.nf
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```
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## Benefits
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1. **Explicit Dependency Management**: All modules tracked in `modules.json`
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2. **Offline Support**: Work offline after initial installation
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3. **Version Control**: Pin modules to specific revisions/commits
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4. **Reproducibility**: Exact module versions recorded
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5. **Familiar Interface**: Similar to `nf-core modules` command
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6. **Safe**: No automatic remote resolution (security concern addressed)
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7. **Compatible**: Works with existing DSL2 include system
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## Future Enhancements
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Potential future improvements:
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1. **Module Search**: `nextflow modules search <keyword>`
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2. **Module Templates**: Create module scaffolding
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3. **Dependency Resolution**: Automatically install module dependencies
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4. **Module Registry**: Support for custom module registries
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5. **Version Constraints**: Semantic versioning support
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6. **Lockfile**: Enhanced reproducibility with lockfile
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7. **Module Testing**: Run module tests before installation
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## Related Issues
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- Issue #4112: Add `nextflow modules` command to install remote modules
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- Original discussion on remote module imports
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- Ben Sherman's concerns about automatic remote resolution
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- Community feedback on module management needs
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## License
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Copyright 2013-2024, Seqera Labs
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Licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0
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Done! See [Remote Module Includes Guide](modules-remote-includes.md) for full documentation.

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