Anaconda

What is Anaconda ?

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Anaconda is a python and R distribution. It aims to provide everything you need (python wise) for data science "out of the box". It includes:

• The core python language
• 100+ python "packages" (libraries)
• including scientific packages : NumPy, SciPy , matplotlib, pandas, IPython, Jupyter Notebook, scikit-learn
• Spyder (IDE/editor - like pycharm) and Jupyter
• conda - Anaconda's own package manager, used for updating Anaconda and packages

In the subsequent posts, you will see each one of the above mentioned scientific packages explained in great detail with extensive usage throught the ML course.

Installation details

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Step 1: Install Anaconda (Python 3.6 version)

Download Link - https://www.anaconda.com/download/

Step 2: Verify the conda installation

Open Anaconda Command Prompt

• For Windows, Start > Anaconda3 > Anaconda Prompt
• For Mac & Linux, open Terminal window

To Verify the installation, type

conda --version

To update conda, type

conda update conda

TIP: It's recommend that you always keep conda updated to the latest version.

Step 3: Create a vitual environment (Optional)

Conda allows you to to create separate environments containing files, packages and their dependencies that will not interact with other environments.
When you begin using conda, you already have a default environment named base. You don’t want to put programs into your base environment, though. Create separate environments to keep your programs isolated from each other.

To find the list of current environments, type

conda info --envs

To create an environment named ML, type

conda create --name ML

To activate the ML environment, type

• Windows: activate ML
• Mac & Linux: source activate ML

The activated environment is also displayed in front of the prompt in paranthesis or brackets as show above.

To deactivate the ML environment, type

• Windows: deactivate
• Mac & Linux: source deactivate ML

Step 4: Different programming IDEs

• Command Prompt or Terminal
• Sypder
• Jupter Notebook
• Other Notepads / text editors

Step 4.1: Command Prompt or Terminal

Type python in the command window. It will show the current version of python and a prompt >>> where the python code goes

Step 4.2: Sypder

Type spyder in the command window. The command will launch the spyder IDE environment. It has some cool features such as Ipython console which you can explore on your own.

Step 4.3: Jupyter Notebook

Type jupyter-notebook in the command window. The command will launch the jupyter-notebook in default web browser. It has some cool features and we will be using it as our main development environment.

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