What is Conda?

A cross-platform package and environment manager that handles packages for any language (Python, R, C++, etc.) and manages fully isolated environments including the Python interpreter itself.

Conda vs pip vs venv

Tool Package Manager Environment Manager Scope
pip ✅ ❌ Python only
venv ❌ ✅ Python only
conda ✅ ✅ Any language

Key difference: pip installs from PyPI (may need compilation), conda installs pre-built binaries and can bundle non-Python deps (CUDA, MKL, etc.).

Anaconda vs Miniconda

Anaconda Miniconda
Size ~3-5 GB ~50-100 MB
Includes conda + Python + 250+ packages conda + Python only
GUI Anaconda Navigator No GUI

Recommendation: Use Miniconda — lighter, install only what you need.

Installing Miniconda

macOS (Homebrew)

brew install --cask miniconda
conda init zsh
# Restart terminal

macOS / Linux (Manual)

# Download
curl -O <https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-MacOSX-arm64.sh>

# Install
bash Miniconda3-latest-*.sh

# Restart terminal, verify
conda --version

Environment Basics

Create & Activate

# Create
conda create --name myenv python=3.11

# Activate
conda activate myenv

# Deactivate
conda deactivate