In this tutorial we will cover the ABC of Anaconda, an open-source python installation solution.
A) Anaconda Benefits
B) How to install Anaconda?
C) How to access Anaconda and Python?
Not to say it’s not super convenient for many expert programmers and scientists, Anaconda is beginner coder’s dreams come true. We suggest you jump start your programming journey with installing Anaconda, all free Python Distribution package. Here are some benefits:
It comes with so many packages you will need: 1,500+ Python/R data science packages
Anaconda Distribution is a free solution so you won’t have to pay a fee or even be exposed to ads.
It will make managing updates of your packages / libraries a breeze.
It can be confusing for beginner coders to manage everything with command interface. Graphical interface will reduce your stress and allow you to focus on coding skills in the beginning.
If you don’t have admin rights at your computer, you can still make a local user installation with Anaconda.
You can easily find Anaconda with a simple search.
Here is a link to their download page: Anaconda Download
We suggest you go with the Python 3 option on the left since it’s newer and you’re more likely to encounter majority of the lessons, practices, community support etc has evolved in that direction in recent years. (Even though Python 2 and Python 3 differences are very minor especially for a beginner coder.)
You can access different coding environments such as Spyder or Jupyter via numerous ways.
Anaconda Navigator will be in your installation path and its shortcuts in your Start Menu. You can use it to launch Jupyter or Spyder as below.
But you can also access shortcuts of these programs directly from your Start Menu. Pinning them in the Start menu can be a good idea for easy access as below:
You can also start Python, Jupyter and Spyder from inside Anaconda Prompt.