Installing python with conda ============================ We work with conda to download and install python and python packages. In addition conda offers "environments" to separate the used packages. For example, you may have one environment with NumPy 1.7, and another environment with NumPy 1.6. .. note:: There are several ways to install python. We are using conda because it also handles non-python dependencies. .. This part is only relevant if you work on your personal computer as conda is already installed on the IAC JupyterHub. Requirements ------------ - about 5 GB of disk space - an internet connection - a reasonably fast laptop Installing miniforge --------------------- We use miniforge a free minimal installer for conda. Windows ~~~~~~~ Download and execute `Miniforge for windows `__. After the download double click it on the file browser. Keep the defaults: - Install for "Just Me". - Make sure "Create start menu shortcuts" is ticked .. warning:: - Certain browser may block the download - try another browser. - Once completed don't move the installation folder. - If your username contains a space the installation in the default location will fail. To fix, open the File Explorer and manually create a `miniforge3` folder under `C:` :menuselection:`This PC --> Local Disk (C:) --> Right Click --> New --> Folder`. Mac OS and Linux ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Open a terminal, and execute the following commands. This will (1) navigate to the `Download` folder, (2) download the installer, and (3) install miniforge: .. code:: bash cd ~/Downloads curl -L -O "https://github.com/conda-forge/miniforge/releases/latest/download/Miniforge3-$(uname)-$(uname -m).sh" bash Miniforge3-$(uname)-$(uname -m).sh Confirm all questions: - You will need to accept the license agreement. - You can keep the default location for the installation. - Answer "yes" to "Do you wish to update your shell profile to automatically initialize conda?".