4  Install Anaconda

Anaconda provides a comprehensive platform for data related projects by including Python and many essential data science libraries.

4.1 Download the Installer

  1. Go to the Anaconda Downloads page.
  2. Select your operating system (for macOS, choose the appropriate Graphical installer - if your machine has an Apple chip, choose M1)
  3. Download the installer. Make sure to download the graphical installer.

4.2 Installation Guide

4.2.1 Windows

  1. Right-click the downloaded installer and choose “Run as administrator.
  2. Click “Next” to continue through the setup screens.
  3. Agree to the terms and conditions.
  4. Choose the installation type:
    • “Just Me” (recommended) or “All Users.”
  5. Select the destination folder for the installation.
  6. Important step: Check “Add Anaconda to my PATH environment variable” (optional but recommended).
  7. Check “Register Anaconda as my default Python” (recommended).
  8. Click “Install” and wait for the installation to complete.
  9. Click “Next” and then “Finish” to complete the installation.

4.2.2 macOS

  1. Locate the downloaded .pkg file and double-click to start the installation.
  2. Follow the prompts to complete the installation:
    • Read and accept the license agreement.
    • Choose the target disk for the installation.
    • Click “Install.”
  3. Once the installation is complete, close the installer.

4.2.3 Linux

  1. Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the .sh installer is downloaded.

  2. Run the installer using the command:

    bash Anaconda3-<your-version>-Linux-x86_64.sh

  3. Follow the prompts to accept the license agreement and choose the installation location.

  4. The installer will ask whether to initialize Anaconda in your .bashrc file. Type “yes.”

  5. Close the terminal and open a new one to ensure Anaconda is properly initialized.

4.3 Verify Installation

To confirm Anaconda has been successfully installed: 1. Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux).

  1. Run this command to verify Anaconda is recognized:

    conda --version

  2. If Anaconda is installed correctly, you’ll see the version printed in the terminal.

4.4 Initial Update

  1. After installation, it’s a good idea to update all default packages:

    conda update --all

  2. Follow any prompts to complete the update.

With Anaconda installed, you’re ready to start creating environments, managing packages, and working with data. The next step would be setting up your first Anaconda environment.