- Anaconda Distribution is a comprehensive installer optimized for data science and AI workflows with hundreds of packages automatically included, plus Anaconda Navigator.
- Miniconda is a lightweight version that includes only conda, Python, and their dependencies.
| Anaconda Distribution | Miniconda | |
|---|---|---|
| Created and published by Anaconda | Yes | Yes |
| Has conda | Yes | Yes |
| Has Anaconda Navigator | Yes | No |
| Packages included | 600+ | 130+ |
| Install space required | ~9.7 GB | ~900 MB |
Watch: Anaconda Distribution vs Miniconda
Which installer is right for you?
I'm just starting out and don't know what packages I should use
I'm just starting out and don't know what packages I should use
Install Anaconda Distribution! It includes hundreds of standard data science and machine learning packages, which will give you a kickstart in your development journey.
I'm just getting started and don't have much experience at the command line
I'm just getting started and don't have much experience at the command line
For beginners, Anaconda recommends using Anaconda Distribution. The installer includes Anaconda Navigator, a desktop application that lets you interface with conda without using the command line. You can use Navigator to create environments, install packages, and launch development applications like Jupyter Notebooks and Spyder. For more information on Navigator, see Getting started with Navigator.
I'm comfortable at the command line and know what packages I need
I'm comfortable at the command line and know what packages I need
For advanced users, Anaconda recommends installing Miniconda. For more information, see the Miniconda documentation.