How to install Python with Anaconda: easy guideline

Since Python is an interpreted language, you must install the software to perform data analysis or run scripts on your computer. If you have more than one person in your BI team, install it on each person’s computer.

Ways to install Python

There are two possible ways to install Python:

1. the standard installation
2. the installation with a special environment, such as Google Colab or Anaconda.

If you start working with Python, you need to know that you will need not only Python in your work but also additional libraries. So, Anaconda is an environment and installer that support those environments with a user-friendly interface. It is easy to install, requires no special skills, and includes Jupyter Notebook, Jupyter Lab, and essential data analysis libraries such as NumPy library, Pandas, and SciPy.

I would not recommend going for the cloud platforms such as Google Colab because you’ll be dependent on possible interruptions to your Internet connection. Jupyter Notebook is the most reliable resource for controlled computing, regardless of internet stability.

How to install Python on Windows

1. Go to https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution.
2. Choose the Windows operating system.
3. Download the latest version of Python. Python has some incompatible versions, for example, Python 2. The current version is 3.10–3.11. They are not always necessary for standard usage. The versions starting from 3.5 perform almost the same, so you can also use them. I have, for example, installed version 3.9.13.
4. After downloading, you will find the corresponding program in the “Start” menu under Anaconda or Anaconda 3. The file will contain Jupyter Notebook files, command line anaconda dl install libraries, and environments. Alternatively, you can run the anaconda navigator from the start menu.

How to install Python on MacOS

1. Go to: https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution.
2. Choose a macOS operating system. Download the latest version of Python. (at least 3.5)

You will find Anaconda Launchpad on the request Anaconda navigator.

How to launch Python on Windows:

1. Click anaconda notebook in the anaconda navigator software list
2. Your cmd will be opened, and Anaconda starts automatically activates in the browser

How to launch Python on MacOS

1. Click Anaconda Notebook in the list of programs Anaconda Navigator
2. Your terminal will be opened, and Anaconda starts automatically activates in the browser

Alternatively, you can type Python into the terminal and work directly in it.

If you have the plugin Oh-My-Zsh installed and it has not been updated to the latest version, you will encounter an error:

Anaconda Jupyter, no such file or directory on MacOS

no such file or directory: Users/my_name/opt/anaconda3/bin/jupyter_mac.command

The only solution is to open the iTerm and then upgrade it. Exit the Anaconda, and start it up again. Now everything should work.

Python is installed and running. You can now use the features of the environment.