Encountering the error "sbatch: error: invalid directive found in batch script: 16" while submitting a job using the Slurm Workload Manager is frustrating, but thankfully, it's usually fixable. This error indicates a problem with the syntax or formatting of your batch script (typically a .sh file). Line 16 is the culprit, containing something Slurm doesn't recognize as a valid directive. Let's delve into common causes and effective troubleshooting steps.
Understanding the Error
The Slurm Batch System uses directives within the batch script to specify job parameters like the number of nodes, memory requirements, and runtime. The "invalid directive" error means Slurm encountered something on line 16 that it doesn't understand as a valid Slurm command or option. This could be due to a simple typo, an incorrect syntax, or even a misplaced comment.
Common Causes and Solutions
Here's a breakdown of frequent causes and how to address them:
1. Typos and Syntax Errors
- Problem: The most common cause is a simple typo in a Slurm directive. For example,
#SBATCH --ntasks=4might be incorrectly typed as#SBATCH --ntaks=4. Even a small mistake can lead to this error. - Solution: Carefully review line 16 of your batch script. Compare it against the official Slurm documentation to ensure perfect accuracy in spelling and syntax. Pay close attention to capitalization and spacing.
2. Missing or Incorrect Directives
- Problem: You might have a directive that's incomplete or incorrectly formatted. For instance,
#SBATCH --timeis incomplete; it needs a time value (e.g.,#SBATCH --time=00:30:00). - Solution: Consult the Slurm documentation for the correct syntax of all directives used in your script. Ensure each directive is complete and correctly formatted according to Slurm's specifications.
3. Unsupported Directives
- Problem: You may be using a Slurm directive that's not supported by your specific Slurm installation or cluster configuration.
- Solution: Check your cluster's documentation or contact your system administrator to determine which Slurm directives are supported. Replace unsupported directives with supported alternatives.
4. Incorrect Spacing or Comments
- Problem: A misplaced comment symbol (
#) or incorrect spacing within a directive can cause parsing issues. - Solution: Ensure there are no unnecessary spaces or characters within your Slurm directives. Also, check that your comments are correctly placed (e.g.,
# This is a comment) and don't interfere with the directive syntax.
5. Issues with Environment Variables
- Problem: The problem might stem from an environment variable used within your script on line 16 that hasn't been properly defined or set.
- Solution: Verify all environment variables used in your script are correctly set before the Slurm directive on line 16.
Debugging Steps
- Examine Line 16: Carefully inspect line 16 of your batch script. Look for typos, syntax errors, missing values, or unsupported directives.
- Consult Slurm Documentation: The official Slurm documentation is your best resource. Refer to it for correct directive syntax and supported options.
- Simplify Your Script: Create a minimal, reproducible example. Start with a basic script containing only essential directives and gradually add complexity to isolate the problematic line.
- Check Cluster Configuration: If you suspect a cluster-specific issue, consult your system administrator or cluster documentation.
- Use
sbatch --parsable: This option provides a more detailed error message that can help pinpoint the problem more accurately.
By systematically checking these points, you can effectively debug your batch script and resolve the "sbatch: error: invalid directive found in batch script: 16" error. Remember to always consult your system's Slurm documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
