If you're a developer, data scientist, or Python enthusiast working on Ubuntu 24.04, having a flexible and lightweight Python environment is essential. One of the best tools to manage Python packages and environments is Miniconda. In this guide, we'll show you how to install Miniconda on Ubuntu 24.04 step-by-step and why it’s the ideal solution for your development needs.
Miniconda is a minimal installer for Conda, a popular open-source package and environment management system. Unlike Anaconda, which comes bundled with hundreds of packages, Miniconda allows you to install only the packages you need, keeping your system lean and efficient.
Why Choose Miniconda?
Before jumping into the installation process, let’s briefly explore why you might prefer Miniconda:
Lightweight: Installs only the essential tools, saving disk space.
Environment Management: Seamlessly create and manage isolated Python environments.
Cross-Platform: Works smoothly on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Flexible: Install only the packages you want via Conda or pip.
How to Install Miniconda on Ubuntu 24.04
To help you avoid errors and complications, we recommend following the reliable instructions from this guide:
Here’s a simplified overview of the steps:
Update Your System
Open a terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Download the Miniconda Installer
Use wget to fetch the latest Miniconda script:
wget
Verify the Installer (Optional but Recommended)
Check the SHA256 hash to ensure the installer isn’t corrupted:
sha256sum Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
Run the Installer
Start the installation process:
bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
Accept the license terms, choose an install location, and allow the installer to initialize Miniconda.
- Activate Miniconda
After the installation is complete, activate it with:
source ~/.bashrc
You can test the installation by running:
conda --version
What’s Next?
Now that you've successfully install Miniconda on Ubuntu 24.04, you can start creating isolated environments with:
conda create -n myenv python=3.11
And activate it using:
conda activate myenv
From here, you can install packages, build projects, or even deploy your machine learning models—all within self-contained environments.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to install Miniconda on Ubuntu 24.04 is a powerful first step in building a flexible, maintainable Python development workflow. Whether you’re new to Linux or a seasoned developer, Miniconda gives you the tools to work smarter and more efficiently.
Start your coding journey with confidence—and the right tools!
