- Home
- Python Package Managers
- Miniconda
Miniconda
What it is
Miniconda is a free, minimal installer that sets up conda, Python, and their dependencies in a base environment. Users can build separate project environments from there. Conda installs software, resolves dependencies, and isolates projects so updates to one project do not break another. Miniconda provides access to the same package repositories and environment-management capabilities as Anaconda Distribution. Anaconda recommends it for command-line users who know which packages they need; it can also serve as a lightweight starting point for containers, CI/CD pipelines, and other automated workflows. The minimal installation includes no graphical interface or extra packages. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and requires at least 400 MB of disk space. Windows requirements list version 11 23H2 or later, while macOS requires version 12.1 or later for Apple Silicon. Current Linux installers require glibc 2.28 or later. Miniconda points to Anaconda’s Basic Repository by default, and the newest release prompts users to accept repository terms before accessing Anaconda repositories. Package access may trigger licensing requirements for some organizations.
For and against
For
- Free to download, install, use, and update
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Keeps project environments isolated
- Provides access to Anaconda Distribution repositories
Against
- No graphical interface
- Minimal installation includes no extra packages
- At least 400 MB of disk space required
- Repository access may trigger licensing requirements
The verdict
Miniconda provides a small starting environment for users who prefer to choose and manage packages themselves. Its minimal setup omits a graphical interface, and repository terms and possible licensing requirements are worth noting.
Who it suits
Miniconda suits command-line users who know which packages they need and want to build isolated project environments. It can also be used as a lightweight starting point for containers and automated workflows.
Plans and prices
Miniconda
Minimal installer with conda, Python, and dependencies · 400 MB minimum disk space · repository access may require a commercial license for organizations with 200 or more employees/contractors
Read 4 Oct 2026 · anaconda.com
On the record
- Architecture support
- The listed architectures are 64-bit x86 for Windows, Apple Silicon ARM64 for macOS, and 64-bit x86 or aarch64 for Linux.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Automation use
- Anaconda describes Miniconda as a lightweight starting point for containers, CI/CD pipelines, and other automated workflows.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company
- Anaconda was founded by Peter Wang and Travis Oliphant in 2012.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Download verification
- Anaconda’s Miniconda download index lists installer filenames, sizes, modification dates, and SHA256 checksums.pro.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Environment management
- Conda installs software, resolves dependencies, and keeps projects isolated so updating one project does not break another.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Installation permissions
- Anaconda recommends a local-user installation, which does not require administrator permissions; system-wide installation is also possible with administrator permissions.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- License condition
- Miniconda installation itself does not require a commercial license for organizations over 200 employees or contractors, but access to package updates can trigger licensing requirements.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- No graphical interface
- Miniconda includes no graphical interface or extra packages in its minimal installation.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The current system requirements list Windows 11 version 23H2 or later, macOS 12.1 or later for Apple Silicon, and Linux.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Package access
- Miniconda provides access to the same package repositories and environment management capabilities as Anaconda Distribution.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Miniconda installs conda, Python, and their dependencies in a minimal base environment so users can build project environments from scratch.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Repository terms
- Miniconda points to Anaconda’s Basic Repository by default, and users of the newest release are prompted to accept repository terms before accessing Anaconda repositories.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- The installer requires at least 400 MB of disk space; current Linux installers require glibc 2.28 or later.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- Anaconda recommends Miniconda for users comfortable at the command line who know which packages they need.anaconda.com · read 4 Oct 2026
