Anaconda to Create a Clean Python Environment

Courvoisier Balthazar · September 20, 2025

Python

Setting up a clean and stable Python environment is essential for learning and working on projects. This guide will show you how to use Anaconda to do just that.

🐍 What is Anaconda?

Anaconda is a free Python distribution that includes:

• Python interpreter
• Popular libraries like NumPy, pandas, matplotlib
• Jupyter Notebook
• conda environment manager

It’s ideal for students and beginners because it simplifies installation and avoids conflicts between projects. It is compatible with VS CODE ide. An official tutorial exist here.

🔧 Step 1: Install Anaconda

1. Download Anaconda:
   👉 https://www.anaconda.com/download

2. Choose your OS and download the Python 3.x (64-bit) version.

3. Run the installer and follow the prompts:

   • (Optional) On Windows, check “Add Anaconda to my PATH”
   • Select “Just Me” and complete installation.

🧪 Step 2: Create a New Conda Environment

Open Anaconda Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux):

conda create -n myproject python=3.10

📂 Step 3: Activate Your Environment

After creating the environment, you need to activate it:

conda activate myproject

📚 Step 4: Install Packages

Use conda install to install packages:

conda install numpy pandas matplotlib jupyter

If a package isn’t available in the default conda channel, you can try conda-forge:

conda install -c conda-forge scikit-learn

Or even use pip inside the environment:

pip install seaborn

Now any Python packages you install will be isolated from your base installation.

💻 Step 5: Use the Environment in VS Code

Anaconda integrates smoothly with VS Code. Once your environment is created, you can use it for both Jupyter notebooks and Python scripts.

📝 For Notebooks (.ipynb)

1. Open VS Code.
2. Install the extensions:
3. Python (by Microsoft)
4. Jupyter (by Microsoft)
5. Open a .ipynb file or create a new notebook.
6. In the top-right corner, select the kernel → choose your conda environment (myproject).

Now, your notebook cells will run inside the clean conda environment.

📄 For Python Scripts (.py)

1. Open a .py file in VS Code.
2. Look at the bottom-right corner of VS Code → click on the interpreter selector.
3. Choose the interpreter from your environment (it should appear as something like Python 3.10 (‘myproject’)).

Once selected, running scripts (Run → Run Without Debugging or the green button) will execute in your conda environment.