Anaconda

Anaconda Distribution is a Python/R data science distribution and a collection of over 7,500+ open-source packages, which includes a package and environment manager. Anaconda is platform-agnostic, so you can use it whether you are on Windows, macOS, or Linux. For a detailed introduction to Anaconda, see the Anaconda User Guide.

Note

Different releases are available at CC-IN2P3. Please follow the software loader syntax to list and activate the required release.

Anaconda environment

To create an Anaconda environment, you can use the conda create command, after having loaded the wanted anaconda version as shown above:

% conda create --prefix /<path>/<environment name> python=<version>

The –prefix option is recommanded to specify a path with write privileges for the environment and by favouring a shared storage space, because conda environments can be large.

Then you can activate the environment with the conda activate command:

% conda activate /<path>/<environment name>

To install a package in the environment, you can use the conda install command:

% conda install -c <conda channel> <package>

Please also consider the tips on custom-installations.

To deactivate the environment, you can use the conda deactivate command:

% conda deactivate

Anaconda license

In the light of Anaconda terms of service, limiting the number of users without a paid license, it is necessary to avoid the following software channels, which provide packages covered by the license:

• pkg/main

• pkgs/r

• pkg/msys2

To check the software channels used, run the command:

% conda config --show channels

To check the use of packages covered by a paid licenses, run the command:

% conda list --explicit

Important

The use of conda as a CLI remains free of charge.

Recommendations

It is recommended to switch to Miniconda or Micromamba, and configure it via .condarc for each virtual environment created with the following lines :

channels:
- nodefaults
- conda-forge
channel_priority: strict