Miniconda: Uses, Requirements, and Installation

First things first, what is Miniconda? It is a free minimal Conda Installer. Broadly, to understand Miniconda is, you can think of it as a tiny, bootstrap version of Anaconda. It comprises Python, Conda, the package they rely on, and a few applicable packages, such as zlib, pip, and others.

What is Conda environment?

After briefing you on Miniconda, the next thing you must know is Conda environment? First, you can understand the Conda environment as a directory, which comprises a certain number of Conda packages, which you have installed.

For instance, you have one environment with NumPy 1.6 for legacy testing and another with NumPy 1.7 and its dependencies. So, even when one environment is changed, the other environments will not be affected.

Moreover, activating or deactivating the environments is easy. Hence, switching between environments is seamless. Sharing your environment is also easy. All you have to do is provide them with a copy of the environment.YAML file and that is all.

Understanding Conda, Miniconda, and Anaconda Relationship

Conda is the umbrella term, which covers both Anaconda and Miniconda. So, broadly, Conda is a packet management system. It is the core or heat of the functioning of Anaconda. Miniconda is a type of Anaconda.

Anaconda is open source and created or coded on Python, which functions and exists independently, whereas Miniconda’s functions are mainly concentrated and restricted to Python and related functions.

Similar to what is Miniconda, there are other specific function software versions of Anaconda too. However, the more advanced versions are licensed software, such as software as a service or SAAS.

To choose between Anaconda and Miniconda, you must understand what is Miniconda, and its relationship with Anaconda.

Both Miniconda and Anaconda are software distributions, which are prevalently employed in data science to streamline package management and deployment. So, now, to help you understand what is Miniconda and its relationship with Anaconda, we will help you understand the differences between these two apps.

Difference between Miniconda and Anaconda

Primarily, there are two key differences between Miniconda and Anaconda.

1. Interface – The GUI is the Navigator in Anaconda, whereas Miniconda has a command-like interface.
2. Packages – Miniconda has a few packages, whereas Anaconda has more than 150 data science packages.

So, when you try to understand Miniconda, you can think of it as a smaller version of Anaconda. Miniconda is a small repository management system and comprises only a few packages, whereas Anaconda is a whole distribution comprising about 150 built-in packages.

Hopefully, now, you know what is Miniconda, Anaconda, and Conda. The next thing you should know is when to pick Anaconda vs. Miniconda.

You must opt for Anaconda if:

1. You are a beginner at Python or Conda
2. You prefer the convenience of having Python and other 150 scientific packages installed automatically in a single go.
3. You have 3 GB of disk space available
4. You have time, will need only a few minutes
5. You do not want to go through individually installing all the packages that you may need.

You must opt for Miniconda if:

1. You are okay with installing all the requisite packages individually.
2. There is no disk space available to install more than 150 packages in one go.
3. You do not have ample time in hand.
4. You wish to have quick access to Conda commands and Python and later sort out the other programs.

What is the use of Miniconda?

What is Miniconda? Miniconda is a workbench for a data scientist, and every workbench starts neat, addressing only the fundamental necessities.

However, as the project grows and expands, the tools on the workbench also grow. They will change, they will be utilized more, and they will definitely be swapped.

Therefore, every workbench can be personalized in a manner suitable to the data scientist. However, the apparent fact of the matter is that a workbench for one data scientist might not be the same as that of the other data scientist, irrespective of whether they are on one team or not.

People usually favor employing Anaconda, the complete hardware store of data science tools, when they commence a project. However, if you are addressing a long-term project, you will want to build a distinct environment that has the tools you need for your project, not everything.

In Conda, there is an array of different ways to build a personalized environment. For instance, you can download and install Miniconda, which has just the essential data science tools to help you get started.

Following this, you can progress to creating a customized workbench within the project folder or directory. It is undoubtedly an excellent strategy to build a new project folder.

In this directory, you can include all the relevant files needed in the project, such as the tools, the code, and the data that you use.

Following this, you will set a new project, say Project_1, and in this project environment, you can have all the necessary tools. Then within this directly, you can set an environment to progress with the same project as stated. It also makes it easy for you to share your projects with others in the time to come.

But, where does Miniconda install packages? Miniconda will install all the packages within the environment folder. You can find these packages in the folder known as \conda-meta.

System requirements for Miniconda

Now that you know what is Miniconda, if you desire to download the install package, you must be thorough with the System requirements.

For the Miniconda install Python, here is a list of all the system requirements:

1. Operating system – For the Miniconda install package, you will require 64-bit macOS 10.13+, or Windows 8 or newer, or a Linux Operating system, comprising CentOS 7+, RedHat, Ubuntu, and alike. However, for those wanting the install package in OS older than what’s supported, you can look for older versions of Miniconda in the archive.
 

2. License – As per the terms of EULA for Miniconda, free use and distribution license will be needed.
 

3. System architecture – MacOS- 64-bit x86; Windows- 64-bit x86, 32-bit x86; Linux- 64-bit x86, 64-bit aarch64
 

4. Space – Minimum 400 MB of disk space for downloading and installation.

Be it Linux, macOS, or Windows, it is ideal for downloading the Miniconda install package for local users, as it will not need any specific administrator permissions. Thus, it is indeed one of the most potent installation mechanisms. But, if you wish, you can also install Miniconda system-wide sans administrator permissions.

Does Miniconda install Python? If yes, how do I install Python on Miniconda?

Yes, Miniconda installs Python. So, how do you perform it? Let us find out what is Miniconda installation guide for different OS.

For Mac

Typically in the modern macOS versions, Python 2 comes pre-installed. However, today, Python 3 is more prevalent and must be installed. You can install the same via the official Python 3 installer.

1. For this, visit the Python Releases for Mac OS X page. From there, you need to download the newest stable release, macOS 32-bit or 64-bit installer.
2. So, go ahead, and download the latest version.
3. Once you are through with the download process, you can run the installer. Next, click on the setup steps. Please keep all the pre-selected installation defaults as they are.
4. After this is done, you can check if the Python was installed rightly. For this, you can open the Terminal and input the command python3 –version. You can see if the latest Python 3.7 version number is written there.

For Windows

To install Python 3 on Windows, you can follow the steps below:

1. Head to the Python Releases for Windows page. From there, download the stable and the latest release Windows x86-64 executable installer.
2. On page 1 of the installer, you must select the “Add Python to PATH” option. Following this, you will have to click through the remnant steps. Across this, do not change any pre-select installation defaults.
3. After this is done, you can ensure that the installation is done correctly. For this, open the Command Prompt (CMD or PowerShell) and then enter the command python –version. You should see the latest Python 3.7 version number added to the console.

How do I download and install Miniconda on Linux, Mac, and Windows?

Installing Miniconda (Source*)
 

Windows installers

Windows
Here are the steps to be followed for downloading and installation of the Miniconda version for Mac.

1. Head to the Miniconda Download page. From there, download the Python 3.7 Windows 64-bit .exe installer.
2. After you are through with the download process, you need to run the installer.
3. Following this, click through all the steps, leaving the pre-selected installation to their default selections.
4. Once done, you can check to ensure that Miniconda was properly installed. You can do this by opening the Command Prompt (CMD or PowerShell) and entering the command Conda list. Here, you can access all the packages installed by Miniconda.

MacOSX installers

Here are the steps to be followed for downloading and installation of the Miniconda version for Mac.

• Head to the Miniconda Download page. From there, download Python 3.7 Mac OS X 64-bit .pkg installer.
• Once you are done with the download, run the installer.
• Click through the steps, and ensure that the pre-selections are left to defaults.
• Once done, you can confirm if Miniconda was properly installed. For this, open the Terminal and enter command conda list. Here, you can see the packages installed by Miniconda.

Linux installers: Download Miniconda Linux

1. To download, first you have to download the installer: Miniconda installer for Linux.
2. Next step is to Verify your installer hashes.
3. Third step to download Miniconda Linux is to head o the terminal window, wherein you will run Miniconda: bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
4. Now, you can follow all the prompts that appear on the installer screens. Typically, you can leave the default pre-set options as it is, but you can always come back and change later.
5. For your changes to take effect, close, and then again open the terminal window.
6. To check the installation, in the terminal window, you can run the conda list command. Here, you can see all the packages installed.

So, this is all from our end on what is Conda environment and what is Miniconda? We sincerely hope that by now you know how to download Miniconda Linux. We have tried to clear all your doubts on can Miniconda install Python and Miniconda install package as well.