Downloading conda

You have 3 conda download options:

You can download any of these 3 options with legacy Python 2.7 or current Python 3.

You can also choose a version with a GUI or a command line installer.

Tip

If you are unsure which option to download, choose the most recent version of Anaconda3. If you are on Windows or macOS, choose the version with the GUI installer.

Anaconda or Miniconda?

Choose Anaconda if you:

  • Are new to conda or Python.

  • Like the convenience of having Python and over 1,500 scientific packages automatically installed at once.

  • Have the time and disk space---a few minutes and 3 GB.

  • Do not want to individually install each of the packages you want to use.

  • Wish to use a curated and vetted set of packages.

Choose Miniconda if you:

  • Do not mind installing each of the packages you want to use individually.

  • Do not have time or disk space to install over 1,500 packages at once.

  • Want fast access to Python and the conda commands and you wish to sort out the other programs later.

Choosing a version of Anaconda or Miniconda

  • Whether you use Anaconda or Miniconda, select the most recent version.

  • Select an older version from the archive only if you are testing or need an older version for a specific purpose.

  • To use conda on Windows XP, select Anaconda 2.3.0 and see Using conda on Windows XP with or without a proxy.

GUI versus command line installer

Both GUI and command line installers are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux:

  • If you do not wish to enter commands in a terminal window, choose the GUI installer.

  • If GUIs slow you down, choose the command line version.

Choosing a version of Python

  • The last version of Python 2 is 2.7, which is included with Anaconda and Miniconda.

  • The newest stable version of Python is quickly included with Anaconda3 and Miniconda3.

  • You can easily set up additional versions of Python such as 3.9 by downloading any version and creating a new environment with just a few clicks. See Getting started with conda.

Cryptographic hash verification

SHA-256 checksums are available for Miniconda and Anaconda. We do not recommend using MD5 verification as SHA-256 is more secure.

Download the installer file and before installing verify it as follows:

  • Windows:

    • If you have PowerShell V4 or later:

      Open a PowerShell console and verify the file as follows:

      Get-FileHash filename -Algorithm SHA256

    • If you don't have PowerShell V4 or later:

      Use the free online verifier tool on the Microsoft website.

      1. Download the file and extract it.

      2. Open a Command Prompt window.

      3. Navigate to the file.

      4. Run the following command:

        Start-PsFCIV -Path C:\path\to\file.ext -HashAlgorithm SHA256 -Online

  • macOS: In iTerm or a terminal window enter shasum -a 256 filename.

  • Linux: In a terminal window enter sha256sum filename.