Installing Anaconda Python
Anaconda is a pre-packaged Python distribution for scientific users. To customize Python with packages and properly use it in combination with automation tools, we prefer a locally installed Anaconda distribution over cloud-based alternatives.
Watch our YouTube video, in which we walk you through the setup on Windows.
Instructions
Direct your browser to Anaconda download page and download the Python 3.x Graphical Installer for your machine. Sometimes, the download defaults to Mac, so if you're on Windows or Linux, make sure to select the right version.
Overview
Anaconda is a pre-packaged Python distribution designed for scientific and data-intensive computing, ideal for tasks such as data analysis and machine learning.
We recommend using a locally installed Anaconda distribution over cloud-based alternatives, as this allows you to customize Python with packages and effectively integrate it with automation tools.
Installing Python via Anaconda
Watch our YouTube video, where we guide you through the installation and setup process on Windows.
Set-up instructions
Direct your browser to Anaconda download page. You don't need to provide your email address; simply click "Skip registration" below the green "Submit" button to go directly to the downloads page. Download the Python 3.x Graphical Installer for your machine. Note that the download may default to Mac, so if you're using Windows or Linux, be sure to select the right version. Then, follow the steps provided on the website.
During the installation, you will be asked whether you want Anaconda Python to be added to your PATH. Click yes! Even if the installation window gives a warning about adding it to your PATH, please still check that box.
Note that the installation of Anaconda may take about 5-10 minutes, depending on how fast your computer is.
For Windows Users
- When asked if you want single or multiple user installation, choose single user.
- Accept all defaults that are set in the installation window.
- Check the box for adding Anaconda to your PATH.
- In the last step, you are asked if you want Visual Studio, click Yes.
For Linux Users
For some users, Python was not added to the path. To quickly do this, please open a terminal window, paste echo '$HOME/anaconda3/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.bashrc
and press Return
.
Verifying that the installation was successful
To verify that the correct version of Python has been installed and was made available in your PATH settings, close your terminal and open a new terminal interface and enter:
followed by hitting the Return
key.
You should see the following information returned:
Windows users
bash
Python 3.x.x :: Anaconda, Inc.
Mac & Linux/Ubuntu users
bash
Python 3.x.x :: Anaconda custom (64-bit)
Python 2 versus Python 3
Python 2 and 3 are incompatible in syntax.
If you had Python 2 previously installed on your machine,
you might have seen Python 2.x.x
above. In that case, try typing
python3 --version
instead. Now you should see a message like the one above and are good to go.
With Python set up, you can start using it. Explore these resources to get started:
- Install Python Packages: Discover what packages are, and how to install them.
- Get Started With Python through simple examples of the fundamental basics, such as variables and data types, functions, etcetera.
- Python Coding Style Guidelines: Understand the importance of coding style with these essential guidelines.