Install Anaconda for Python

This section walks you through the Python installation process for both Mac and Windows users. It also provides general information about virtual environments and walks you through the steps of creating one on your machine.

If you already have Anaconda installed, please make sure that it has Python 3.8. On Mac, launch the terminal and type and run conda list | grep python. On Windows, launch the anaconda prompt, and type and run conda list | grep python.

Install Anaconda for Mac

1. Go to the Anaconda Distribution Page

2. Click Download, and select the latest Python version.

3. Follow the steps in the visual installer!

Install Anaconda for Windows

1. Go to the Anaconda Distribution Page.

2. Click Download, and select the latest Python version.

3. Open the installer and follow the instructions to complete the installation.

Important: Make sure that you check the box that says "add to PATH" when installing on PC.

Working with Python Virtual Environments

The Python documentation tells us that Python applications will often use packages and modules that are not part of the standard library. Some applications require a specific version of a library if, for example, that version has fixed a bug, or because the application was written using an obsolete version of the library's interface.

This means that it may not be possible for one Python installation to meet the requirements of every application. If Application A needs version 1.0 of a particular module but Application B needs version 2.0, then the requirements are in conflict, and installing either version 1.0 or 2.0 will leave one application unable to run.

The solution to this problem is to create a virtual environment, a self-contained directory tree that contains a Python installation for a particular version of Python, plus a number of additional packages. Check out Python's tutorial on Virtual Environments and Packages for more information.

Your instructor will lead you through the process of creating a virtual environment later in the boot camp.

What Is Conda?

There are multiple ways to create virtual environments, but in this course we will be using Conda. Conda is a package manager application that quickly installs, runs, and updates packages and their dependencies. It allows you to easily set up and switch between environments on your local computer. Conda is included in all versions of Anaconda and Miniconda. Check out the Conda user guide for more information.

Verify Your Installation

Verify that Conda is installed correctly by checking its version. You can do this by opening the Anaconda app or by opening up your terminal, booting up Conda, and typing conda --version. If you have an older version, make sure to update Conda by running the update command from your terminal, conda update conda. If a newer version is available, accept the update.