Anaconda for Python
Anaconda is a powerful Python distribution that simplifies package management and deployment for data science, machine learning, and scientific computing. Conda is Anaconda’s package, environment, and dependency manager. It is cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux [x86/AARCH64/PPC64LE/s390x]), cross-language (supports Python, R, C/C++, Rust, Go, and more), and ensures package compatibility and environment correctness.
Anaconda vs Miniconda vs Conda
Anaconda
- Full distribution with GUI and pre-installed packages
- Large download (~500MB+)
- Includes Anaconda Navigator, Jupyter, Spyder
- Best for: Beginners, data scientists who want everything ready
Miniconda
- Minimal installer with just Python and conda
- Small download (~50MB)
- Manual package installation required
- Best for: Experienced users, servers, minimal installations
Conda
- Package manager included in both Anaconda and Miniconda
- Cross-platform package and environment management
- Language agnostic (not just Python)
Installation Guide
Just need to note that, my x86-64 machine using Ubuntu 20.04 (default python version is 3.8)
Installing Miniconda on Linux
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| # Download the installer. the base version is 3.9 as you can see
wget https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-py39_25.7.0-2-Linux-x86_64.sh
# Make it executable
chmod +x Miniconda3-py39_25.7.0-2-Linux-x86_64.sh
# Run the installer and Follow the prompts
./Miniconda3-py39_25.7.0-2-Linux-x86_64.sh
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Post-Installation Setup
After installation, restart your terminal or run:
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| # Reload shell configuration
source ~/miniconda3/bin/activate
# Verify installation
conda --version
python3 --version
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Essential Conda Commands
Environment Management
Creating Environments
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| # Create new environment with specific Python version
conda create --name myenv python=3.9
#Or create env via file
conda env create -f environment.yml
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Managing Environments
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| # List all environments
conda env list
# Activate environment
conda activate myenv
# Deactivate current environment
conda deactivate
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Environment Configuration Files
Creating environment.yml
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| # environment.yml
name: myproject
channels:
- conda-forge
- defaults
dependencies:
- python=3.9
- numpy
- pandas
- matplotlib
- jupyter
- pip
- pip:
- requests
- beautifulsoup4
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Using environment.yml
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| # Create environment from file
conda env create -f environment.yml
# Update existing environment
conda env update -f environment.yml
# Export current environment
conda env export > environment.yml
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References