Installing Python with Conda

When working with Conda, installing specific Python versions can sometimes be challenging, especially when newer versions aren't immediately available in the default channels. This guide covers how to properly install Python using Conda, including troubleshooting when specific versions aren't yet available.

Problem: Python Version Not Available in Conda

When attempting to create a Conda environment with a specific Python version that hasn't been fully released or integrated into Conda's default channels, you may encounter package not found errors:

conda create --name myenv python=3.9
# Output: PackageNotFoundError: Package not found

This typically happens because:

1. The Python version is very new and not yet available in Conda's repositories
2. The necessary dependencies for that Python version haven't been fully packaged
3. Your Conda configuration doesn't include the channels that host the newer version

Solution: Installing Python with Conda

Method 1: Standard Installation (Recommended)

For most Python versions that are already available in Conda's default channels:

# Create environment with specific Python version
conda create -n myenv python=3.11

Replace myenv with your preferred environment name and 3.11 with your desired Python version.

Method 2: Using conda-forge for Newer Versions

When a Python version is newly released but not yet in default channels, use the conda-forge community channel:

# Create environment using conda-forge channel
conda create -c conda-forge python=3.9 -n py39-demo

TIP

The conda-forge channel often gets new Python versions faster than the default channels, but may have limited package compatibility initially.

Method 3: Alternative Installation Approaches

If Conda still doesn't have the Python version you need:

1. Install Python directly from python.org or using a package manager
2. Use pip with the system Python installation:

   python3.9 -m pip install package-name

3. Create a virtual environment using the system Python:

   python3.9 -m venv myenv
   source myenv/bin/activate

Best Practices for Python Installation with Conda

1. Check Available Python Versions

Before creating an environment, check what versions are available:

conda search python

2. Specify Channel Priority

For better control over package sources:

# Create environment with specific channel priority
conda create -c conda-forge -c defaults python=3.9 -n myenv

3. Update Conda Regularly

Keep Conda updated to access the latest available packages:

conda update conda

4. Verify Installation

After creating your environment, verify the Python version:

conda activate myenv
python --version

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Package Compatibility Problems

WARNING

When using very new Python versions, some packages may not be compatible yet. Check package documentation for Python version support.

Environment Not Showing Up

If you manually create environment folders, Conda won't recognize them. Always use conda create to properly register environments.

Pip Not Working

If pip isn't functioning in your Conda environment:

conda install pip

Version-Specific Examples

Here are the commands for different Python versions:

Python 3.11

conda create -n py311 python=3.11

Python 3.10

conda create -n py310 python=3.10

Python 3.9

conda create -n py39 python=3.9

Summary

Installing Python with Conda is straightforward for established versions, but newer releases may require using alternative channels like conda-forge or temporary workarounds. The key steps are:

1. Check available versions with conda search python
2. Use conda create -n env_name python=x.x for available versions
3. For newer versions, try -c conda-forge flag
4. As a last resort, install Python separately and use system installation

Most Python versions become available in Conda's main channels within weeks of their official release, making the temporary workarounds necessary only for very recent releases.