Mastering Python Environments with a Simple Guide to Miniconda Install on Ubuntu 24.04

[HemanJone]

If you’re working with Python on Linux, chances are you’ve heard of Conda. But did you know there’s a more lightweight, flexible version of Anaconda called Miniconda? In this forum post, we’ll walk you through why a Miniconda install is a great choice—especially on Ubuntu 24.04—and how you can set it up in just a few easy steps.

Whether you're a data scientist, developer, or machine learning enthusiast, managing isolated Python environments is essential. That’s exactly where Miniconda shines.

Why Choose a Miniconda Install Over Anaconda?​

Anaconda is powerful but bulky. It comes with hundreds of pre-installed packages that you might never use. Miniconda, on the other hand, offers a minimalist approach. When you perform a Miniconda install, you get the Conda package manager and Python—nothing else. This gives you the freedom to install only the packages you need, saving space and reducing complexity.

Here are a few benefits:

• Lightweight installer (~60MB compared to Anaconda’s ~500MB)
  
  
• Full control over your environment and dependencies
  
  
• Easier to update and maintain
  
  
• Ideal for production and cloud deployments

How to Perform a Miniconda Install on Ubuntu 24.04​

Ubuntu 24.04 is one of the most stable and developer-friendly Linux distributions, making it the perfect match for Miniconda. Here’s how you can do a clean and efficient Miniconda install.

Step 1: Update Your System​

Open your terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Download the Miniconda Installer​

Step 3: Run the Installer​

bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh


Follow the on-screen prompts. Accept the license, and choose your installation location.

Step 4: Activate Miniconda​

To activate it, run:

source ~/.bashrc


Confirm the installation:

conda --version


You’ve now completed a successful Miniconda install!

What Can You Do Next?​

After installing Miniconda, you can:

• Create new environments:

conda create -n myenv python=3.11

• Activate them:

conda activate myenv

• Install only the packages you need:

conda install numpy pandas matplotlib

Final Thoughts​

A Miniconda install is the ideal choice for developers who want a clean, efficient, and customizable Python setup. Especially on Ubuntu 24.04, Miniconda integrates perfectly with the Linux environment and gives you full control over your development workflow.

Now that you know how simple and powerful it is to perform a Miniconda install, why not try it and share your experience with the community?