4.2 Installing Conda using Miniforge

Miniforge is a community-driven minimal installer for Conda that uses the conda-forge repository by default. It is lightweight, fully open-source, and ideal for users who want a clean setup without extra bundled packages.

Miniforge vs. Anaconda

Feature	Miniforge	Anaconda
Default Channel	conda-forge (community)	Anaconda (curated)
Installation Size	Lightweight	Large (many pre-installed packages)
License	Fully open-source	Includes some commercial components
Ideal For	Developers who want flexibility	Beginners who want an all-in-one setup

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Installation Steps

1. Visit the Conda-Forge Website Go to Conda-Forge and open the installation guide for your platform.

2. Download and Install Miniforge Follow the steps for your operating system:

   • Windows: Download and run the .exe installer.

   • macOS / Linux: Download the .sh installer and run it in a terminal:

     bash Miniforge3-MacOSX-arm64.sh

     (The filename may differ depending on your OS and architecture.)

   During installation, you may be prompted with a message like:

   “Do you wish the installer to initialize Miniforge by running conda init?”

   It is recommended to answer yes. This step configures your shell (e.g., Bash, Zsh) to automatically recognize the conda command whenever you open a new terminal.

   Tip: Always read through the installation instructions and prompts carefully when using command-line installers. Understanding each step helps prevent setup issues later.

3. Restart the Terminal After installation, restart your terminal or open a new one so the conda command is recognized.

4. Verify the Installation

   conda --version

   If installed correctly, this will display the Conda version number.

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Troubleshooting Installation Issues

• conda: command not found error: Restart your terminal or activate Conda manually:

  source ~/miniforge3/bin/activate

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