How to Install Conda on Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Conda handles a lot of Python pain points on Ubuntu, including isolated dependencies, version switching, and keeping the system Python untouched. This guide walks through how to install Conda on Ubuntu, from system prep to running your first environment. Commands work on Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04.

Before You Install Conda on Ubuntu

Refresh the package index first:

sudo apt-get update

This pulls the latest metadata so the install pulls clean dependencies. If apt throws errors here, this apt-get troubleshooting guide covers the usual fixes.

The installer downloads through curl. Check if it’s already on your machine:

curl --version

If the response is blank or errors out, add it:

sudo apt-get install curl

Some Ubuntu builds still throw a missing binary error after install. This walkthrough on fixing the curl: command not found error sorts that out quickly.

Download the Anaconda Installer

The full Anaconda build comes with hundreds of pre-installed data science libraries. If disk space is tight or you only need the core, the Miniconda install path gives you just the package manager.

Grab the latest Linux build directly into /tmp:

cd /tmp
curl -O https://repo.anaconda.com/archive/Anaconda3-2020.11-Linux-x86_64.sh

Using /tmp keeps your home directory uncluttered. The -O flag tells curl to save the file under its original name. You can grab the newest version straight from the Anaconda downloads page.

Run the Conda Install Script on Ubuntu

Once the download finishes, launch the installer:

bash Anaconda3-2020.11-Linux-x86_64.sh

By default, the script writes to /home/<username>/anaconda3. Swap in your actual login name. Accept the license terms when asked, and let the installer add its init block to .bashrc when prompted.

Reload the shell once the install finishes:

source ~/.bashrc

Check the version:

conda -V

Expected output: conda 4.9.2 (or newer, depending on the build).

If your prompt doesn’t pick up conda after reload, the PATH likely wasn’t written. This guide on setting Linux environment variables shows where to add the export line manually.

Keep Conda and Anaconda Updated

Run these every few weeks to stay current:

conda update conda
conda update anaconda

The first updates the package manager itself. The second pulls the latest Anaconda distribution with all bundled libraries.

Create and Manage Conda Environments on Ubuntu

With the install Conda Ubuntu setup wrapped up, isolated environments let each project keep its own dependencies. No more global pip conflicts.

Create one named My_env1 running Python 3:

conda create --name My_env1 python=3

Activate it:

conda activate My_env1

The prompt prefix changes to (My_env1), so you always know which environment you’re inside. Step out when done:

conda deactivate

Installing Packages in an Active Environment

With the environment active:

conda install <package-name>[=version]

Replace <package-name> with whatever library you need. Drop the [=version] suffix to get the latest compatible build, or pin a specific release the same way you’d lock an apt package version.

If you’re new to working with the shell, this Linux command line guide covers the basics you’ll keep using.

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