Miniconda/Anaconda (Python) Installation Tutorial

By Dan Aukes

Introduction

Anaconda is a distribution of Python that includes the ability to manage packages using the conda package manager as well as the ability to create and manage environments, or collections of packages that work together. Anaconda ships as a ~500 Mb installer. This tutorial gets you started with miniconda, a slimmed down installer that allows you to install just the packages you need. Below are the steps to gettting a working installation of Python with all the packages you need for Foldable Robotics.

This tutorial is for installing the anaconda python distribution on windows.

Windows Installation

These installation instructions are for computers that do not have Python or Anaconda installed already. Python and Anaconda do not come installed by default on most computers so if you haven’t installed them intentionally, these instructions likely apply to you. If you do have another version of Python installed, then please ask Dr. Aukes for further details.

Anaconda Instructions

Note: These instructions are for the smaller “Miniconda” distribution, that includes only the conda package manager that you can use to install only the packages that you want. You can also install the full Anaconda distribution, and follow the same basic instructions.

  1. Download and install miniconda (win64 quick link) with the following options:

    Installer
    Installer
    Select Agree
    Select Agree

    1. Install for “Just for Me”

      Select “Just for Me”
      Select “Just for Me”

    2. Accept the the default directory (e.g., C:\ProgramData\Miniconda3 )

      Accept default directory
      Accept default directory

    3. Keep the options page default, ensuring the “Register Miniconda3 as the system Python” box is checked

      Keep default options
      Keep default options

    4. Complete the installation

      Complete the Install
      Complete the Install

      Complete the Install
      Complete the Install

  2. Update Conda. In Windows, go to the search bar and type “anaconda”. Once you see the “Anaconda Prompt” app in the list, click on it.

    Anaconda Prompt
    Anaconda Prompt

  3. When the terminal opens, paste each of the following lines (one at a time) at the command prompt and press enter:

     conda update --all

  4. Install course-specific packages

External Resources