Python Dev Setup

To set up Python and Anaconda on a Mac

1. Installing Anaconda

Anaconda includes Python and a suite of data science libraries, along with environment management tools.

Steps:

• Visit the official Anaconda website: https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution
• Download the macOS installer (choose the Python 3.x version).
• Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Anaconda.
• Once installed, open Terminal and verify:

  conda --version
  

  This should display the installed conda version.

2. Configure Environment (Optional but Recommended)

• To create a new Python environment:

  conda create -n myenv python=3.9
  

• Activate the environment:

  conda activate myenv
  

• To install additional packages (e.g., NumPy, pandas):

  conda install numpy pandas
  

3. Installing Python via Miniconda (Lightweight alternative)

• If you prefer a minimal setup, install Miniconda from https://docs.conda.io/en/latest/miniconda.html
• Follow similar steps to install and create environments.

4. Using Python Without Anaconda

• macOS comes with Python pre-installed, but it’s usually an older version.
• To install the latest Python:
  • Download from https://python.org
  • Run the installer and follow prompts.
  • Verify:

    python3 --version
    

• Use pip to install libraries:

  pip3 install numpy pandas
  

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Additional Tips

• Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Use VSCode, PyCharm, or Jupyter Notebooks (included with Anaconda).
• Launching Jupyter Notebook:

  conda activate myenv
  jupyter notebook
  

• Environment Management: Always use environments to package dependencies, avoiding conflicts.
• Updating Anaconda:

  conda update conda
  conda update anaconda