How to Install and Set Up Miniconda on Linux (Ubuntu)

If you’re starting with Python and want a lightweight way to manage packages and environments, Miniconda is a great choice. It provides Conda, a powerful tool for creating isolated environments and managing Python packages, without all the extras included in Anaconda.

This guide walks you step-by-step through installing and setting up Miniconda on Ubuntu, using the terminal installer. We’ll also cover how to install Jupyter Notebook for interactive coding.

---

1. Download Miniconda

Option A – With wget (recommended for servers and desktops)

Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and download the latest installer:

wget https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh

This URL always points to the latest stable release.

Option B – With curl

If you prefer curl:

curl -O https://repo.anaconda.com/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh

---

2. Install Miniconda

Make the installer executable:

chmod +x Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh

Run it:

bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh

Follow the prompts:

• Press Enter to continue
• Review and accept the license terms (yes)
• Choose an install location (default: ~/miniconda3)

---

3. Initialize Conda

At the end of installation, you’ll be asked whether you want to initialize Conda:

✔ Recommended: say yes. This updates your shell startup file (~/.bashrc on Ubuntu by default) so Conda works in every new terminal session.
❌ Skip if you want manual control (you can run conda init later).

If you skipped earlier, run:

conda init bash

Restart your terminal. You should see (base) in your prompt, showing that the base Conda environment is active.

Check Conda’s version to confirm installation:

conda --version

---

4. Create and Manage Environments

Create a new environment with Python 3.11:

conda create -n myenv python=3.11

Activate it:

conda activate myenv

Install packages inside the environment:

conda install numpy pandas

Deactivate when done:

conda deactivate

---

5. Install Jupyter Notebook

With Conda ready, you can easily install Jupyter Notebook:

conda install jupyter notebook

Launch it:

jupyter notebook

A browser window will open. Click New → Python 3 to start a notebook.

Try running:

print("Hello, world!")

---

6. Troubleshooting

• conda: command not found → Run conda init bash and restart your terminal.
• Multiple Python installs → Keep Conda separate; avoid mixing with system Python.
• Reinstall from scratch → Delete ~/miniconda3 and reinstall.

---

🎯 Final Notes

• Beginners: Terminal install is straightforward and works everywhere.
• Advanced users: You can automate installation with scripts — useful for servers.
• Always create separate Conda environments for each project.
• Jupyter Notebook integrates seamlessly with Conda environments — just activate the one you need before launching.

---

📌 Notes for Other Distros

• Fedora, CentOS, RHEL: The steps are identical, but Conda usually initializes in ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile.
• Arch Linux / Manjaro: Same installation process, but users often prefer zsh → run conda init zsh instead.
• WSL (Ubuntu on Windows): Works the same as native Ubuntu. Make sure Windows firewall allows Jupyter Notebook to open in your browser.