Install Anaconda on Ubuntu 24.04 – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
If you're a developer, data scientist, or student working with Python on Ubuntu 24.04, Anaconda is a powerful tool that can simplify your workflow. From managing virtual environments to pre-packaged libraries for machine learning and data science, Anaconda makes it easier to manage complex Python ecosystems. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to Install Anaconda on Ubuntu 24.04, referencing the official instructions from Vultr’s installation guide.
Why Use Anaconda?
Anaconda is a free, open-source distribution of Python and R, specifically built for scientific computing. It includes over 7,500 data science packages, Jupyter Notebook, Spyder, and tools for package management and deployment. With its user-friendly interface and package control via Conda, Anaconda allows you to isolate environments, manage dependencies, and avoid version conflicts — all crucial for smooth Python development.
System Requirements
Before installing, make sure your system meets the following prerequisites:
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS installed
A non-root user account with sudo privileges
Sufficient disk space (around 3 GB)
Internet connection to download the installer
Step-by-Step: How to Install Anaconda on Ubuntu 24.04
Let’s break down the process into clear, actionable steps.
1. Update Your System
It’s always best to start by updating your package list and system packages. Open the terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
This ensures that your system is up to date and ready for software installation.
2. Download the Anaconda Installer
Go to your terminal and use the following command to download the latest Anaconda installer:
wget https://repo.anaconda.com/archive/Anaconda3-2024.05-1-Linux-x86_64.sh
Always check for the most recent version from the official Anaconda website if needed.
3. Verify the Installer (Optional)
To ensure that your download hasn’t been corrupted, it’s a good idea to verify its integrity using SHA-256 checksum:
sha256sum Anaconda3-2024.05-1-Linux-x86_64.sh
Compare the result with the hash provided on the download page.
4. Run the Installer Script
Begin the installation by executing the script:
bash Anaconda3-2024.05-1-Linux-x86_64.sh
You’ll be prompted to read and accept the license agreement. Press Enter to scroll and type yes to agree. You can choose the default install location or provide a custom path.
5. Activate the Installation
Once the installation is complete, activate Anaconda:
source ~/.bashrc
To confirm that Anaconda is installed correctly, type:
conda --version
You should see the current version of Conda displayed.
Post-Installation Tasks
Now that you’ve installed Anaconda, here are some useful commands to get started:
Create a New Environment:
conda create --name test-env python=3.12
conda activate test-env
Launch Jupyter Notebook:
jupyter notebook
Update Packages:
conda update --all
These steps ensure you have full control over your Python development setup, keeping dependencies organized and environments isolated.
Conclusion
Installing Anaconda on Ubuntu 24.04 is a smart move for anyone serious about Python, data science, or machine learning. Its built-in tools, vast library support, and virtual environment features make it an all-in-one solution for modern Python development. By following the steps outlined in this guide and the official Vultr tutorial, you’ll be up and running with Anaconda in no time.
Whether you're analyzing big data, building machine learning models, or managing multiple Python projects, Anaconda can dramatically simplify your workflow. Install Anaconda on Ubuntu 24.04 today and unlock the full power of Python development!