Table of Contents

12.1   Introduction
12.2   wrf_update.pl configuration file
12.3   Examples running wrf_update.pl

 

12.1      Introduction

The wrf_update.pl script is to be used to update your STRC WRF EMS distribution as patches and updates become available on the SOO/STRC ftp server. Running wrf_update is easy, either from the command line or within a cron. Note that during installation of your WRF EMS, an entry is made in your user's crontab file to initiate automatic downloading and installation of updates. In order to activate this option you will need to uncomment the line in the crontab.

To fully automate the process of downloading and installing WRF EMS updates, you will need access to the SOO/STRC ftp server and the login information in a .netrc file. However, should you not have access all is not lost. You can obtain the updates and installation directions from the SOO/STRC web site:

http://strc.comet.ucar.edu/wrf/wrf_updates.htm

Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to read and edit the wrf_update.conf file. And also run "wrf_update.pl -help" for lots of great information about running the script.

 

12.2      wrf_update.pl configuration file

The default wrf_update.pl configuration file can be found in:

/usr1/wrf/data/conf/config/wrf_update/wrf_update.conf

You may find that the default settings in the file are sufficient for most purposes. The only parameter you may be inclined to modify is the MAILTO variable.

 

12.3      Examples running wrf_update.pl

Note that all command line options override those in the configuration file. Here are a few examples:

% wrf_update.pl --listall

Interpretation: List all of the available updates on the SOO/STRC ftp server. No download or installation.

% wrf_update.pl --list

Interpretation: List the updates necessary to bring my release to current levels. No download or installation.]

% wrf_update.pl --update --install

Interpretation: Download the necessary updates from the SOO/STRC ftp server and install. Note that "--install" is not necessary if "INSTALL = Yes" in the configuration file.

% wrf_update.pl --update --noinstall

Interpretation: Download the necessary updates from the SOO/STRC ftp server but do not install.

% wrf_update.pl --cumulative --install

Interpretation: "Download and install all of the cumulative updates needed to bring my WRF EMS distribution up-to-date. I've been slow and lazy in updating the system so give me all you've got even though I may be updating files that I've already updated. Consequences-Shmonsequences."

% wrf_update.pl --cumulative --install --force

Interpretation: "Download and install all the cumulative updates even though some have already been installed. I'm in a surly mood and I don't want to be second guessed by a computer even if it's usually correct."

% wrf_update.pl --restore

Interpretation: "I don't like what I see from my update install and I want to go back to the previous EMS release. Besides, I was just getting comfortable with it, just like my favorite pair of socks|shoes|jeans|underwear before the first hole appeared, and for a brief period thereafter."