Create a Python Environment with Anaconda
There are different ways to build Python environments:
Please note that all of the steps mentioned on this page are recommended from original sources; try to follow them as faithfully as possible. If, in any step, something does not work as it should, contact a technician first before following any other instructions that need you to move things directly from your terminal.
Conda environments
Another way to create environments in Python is to use the Anaconda distribution. For this, we have two options: we can download Anaconda from the official distribution or a more light version of Anaconda called Miniconda.
These two versions are from the same distribution and are widely used for data science and scientific computing. The main difference between the two is the size of the installation. Anaconda requires at least 3 GB of free disk space, while Miniconda only requires 400 MB (Something you need to take into consideration if you do not have enough space available on your computer). Anaconda comes with a large array of pre-installed packages and a very user-friendly graphical interface that can favor those who are not very familiar with the use of the terminal or command line prompts. Miniconda only includes the `conda` function and Python in its installation.
If you go for the Anaconda version:
macOS
If you go to the official Anaconda page (https://www.anaconda.com/download#downloads), you will see the Download button for your OS. If you are using macOS, it is also important to know if your hardware settings are an Intel chip or an M1/M2/M3 chip.
You can check this by going to the Apple at the top left corner of your screen and clicking on About this Mac.
This should prompt a Window that will say the chip your computer has:
Go back to the Downloads page on Anaconda and choose the right setting for your computer.
You can also click on `More info` to see all the different settings on your computer.
Once the package is done loading, you can choose the predetermined installation and click install. If your terminal was opened, please relaunch it, you will now be able to see the pre fix in your user name as (base). Which means that you are in the base or root environment. We explain this later on.
It goes from:
To look something like this:
For Windows users:
For Windows, there is only one universal installer, so it does not matter the version of Windows that you are using. It is only important to know that it is only available for the 64-bit version. If your computer is a 32-bit, please look into the Anaconda archive (https://docs.anaconda.com/free/anaconda/install/old-os/).
Follow the installation process. Same as with the Python installation, this installer is going to ask you if you want to add this software to your path variables. If you are not sure or do not understand fully what path does, do not activate this function. We can change it later on if you need it.
If you do not want to add Conda to your path variables, you can use the command prompt directly from the Anaconda Navigator. Otherwise, all the other Windows terminals will not have the `conda` prompt.