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How to Setup Python on Anaconda?

Published in Anaconda Installation 3 mins read

Setting up Python on Anaconda is straightforward and involves downloading and installing the Anaconda distribution, which includes Python and many useful data science packages. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Download Anaconda:

  • Visit the Anaconda website and download the Anaconda installer appropriate for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Choose the Python 3.x version.

2. Run the Installer:

  • Windows: Double-click the downloaded .exe file to start the installation process.
  • macOS: Double-click the downloaded .pkg file to start the installation process.
  • Linux: Open a terminal and run the downloaded .sh file using the command: bash Anaconda3-XXXXXXXX.sh (replace Anaconda3-XXXXXXXX.sh with the actual filename).

3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:

  • Carefully read and accept the license agreement.
  • Choose an installation location. The default location is usually recommended.
  • You may be asked if you want to add Anaconda to your system's PATH environment variable. While it's generally recommended not to add to the PATH directly during installation, understand that if you don't, you'll need to use the Anaconda Prompt or Anaconda Navigator to work with Anaconda environments.
  • On Windows, you may be asked if you want to register Anaconda as your default Python. This is usually recommended if you plan to primarily use Anaconda for Python development.

4. Complete the Installation:

  • Once the installation is complete, you can launch Anaconda Navigator or open Anaconda Prompt (on Windows) or a terminal (on macOS and Linux) to start working with Python.

5. Verify the Installation:

  • Anaconda Navigator: Launch Anaconda Navigator. If it opens successfully, Anaconda and Python are installed correctly.
  • Anaconda Prompt/Terminal: Open Anaconda Prompt (Windows) or a terminal (macOS/Linux) and type conda --version. This will display the installed Conda version, confirming the installation. You can also type python --version to confirm the Python version.

6. Creating Environments (Optional but Recommended):

  • It's highly recommended to create separate environments for different projects to avoid dependency conflicts.

  • In Anaconda Prompt/Terminal, use the following command to create a new environment:

    conda create --name myenv python=3.9

    Replace myenv with the desired name for your environment, and 3.9 with the desired Python version.

  • To activate the environment:

    conda activate myenv

  • To deactivate the environment:

    conda deactivate

Key Takeaways:

  • Anaconda simplifies Python installation and package management.
  • Using Anaconda environments is crucial for managing dependencies and avoiding conflicts between projects.
  • Anaconda Navigator provides a graphical interface for managing environments and packages, while Anaconda Prompt/Terminal allows for command-line interaction.

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