Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix: How can I follow qsub's standard error?

Follow qsub standard error in real-time

Quick Answer: Use the -e option with qsub to follow stderr in real-time.

The issue of not following qsub's standard error is a common problem faced by users, especially those who are new to using Torque (qsub) for job submission. This error affects anyone who has submitted a job and wants to monitor its progress in real-time.

Following the standard error of a job being output can be frustrating, as it requires constant monitoring to catch any errors or issues that may arise during execution. However, with the right steps, users can easily follow the standard error of their submitted jobs.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The primary reason why qsub's standard error is not followed in real-time is due to the way the job submission process works. When a user submits a job using qsub, the output files (stdout and stderr) are only written once the job finishes executing. This is because qsub uses a buffered I/O system, which means that the output is stored in memory before being written to disk.
  • Another alternative reason for this issue is due to the lack of real-time monitoring tools available within the Torque environment. While there may be some monitoring tools available, they are not always up-to-date or accurate, making it difficult to follow the standard error of a job in real-time.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Monitoring Job Output using qsub's -W option

  1. Step 1: To monitor the output of a submitted job in real-time, users can use the -W option with qsub. This option allows users to specify a maximum amount of time that the job should run for, and it also enables real-time monitoring of the job's output.
  2. Step 2: For example, if you want to monitor the output of a job for 2 hours, you can use the following command: `qsub -W 02:00:00 -v job_name job.sh`. This will submit the job and enable real-time monitoring of its output.
  3. Step 3: Once the job is submitted, users can check the job's status using the `qstat` command. This will display the job's current status, including any errors or issues that may have arisen during execution.

Using a Real-Time Monitoring Tool

  1. Step 1: Another way to monitor the output of a submitted job in real-time is to use a real-time monitoring tool. There are several tools available, including `tail -f` and `watch`. These tools allow users to monitor the output of a file or process in real-time.
  2. Step 2: For example, if you want to monitor the output of a job's stderr file in real-time, you can use the following command: `tail -f /dev/stderr`. This will display the contents of the stderr file as it is written, allowing users to catch any errors or issues that may arise during execution.

✨ Wrapping Up

In conclusion, following qsub's standard error is a common problem faced by users, but it can be easily resolved using the right steps. By using the -W option with qsub and monitoring job output in real-time, users can catch any errors or issues that may arise during execution. Additionally, using real-time monitoring tools such as `tail -f` and `watch` can also help users monitor their jobs' output in real-time.

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