Data School/Conda Essentials for Data Scientists

  • $49

Conda Essentials for Data Scientists

Manage your Python packages and virtual environments the easy way!

Why learn conda?

If you're a Python user, managing the installation of packages and their environments is a key skill.

This is even more important for Data Scientists, who rely on an ecosystem of cutting-edge libraries that can be hard to install and maintain. Without a system for managing it all, you'll end up with fragile or broken environments that make it impossible to get your work done!

Conda is an easy-to-use tool for managing packages, virtual environments, and Python versions that is trusted by millions of Data Scientists.

⚠️ Avoid this with conda ⚠️

Who should take this course?

This is the perfect course for you if:

  • You've never used a tool to manage your packages or environments

  • You've used other tools to manage your packages or environments, but you're new to conda

  • You've used conda, but you haven't yet unlocked its full capabilities

What will you learn?

  • The difference between conda, Anaconda, and Miniconda

  • How to install and access conda

  • How to install, update, and remove packages

  • How to create, manage, and remove conda environments

  • Best practices for virtual environments

  • How to access conda channels

  • How to configure your channel list

  • How to use pip with conda

  • How to speed up package installation

  • Advanced conda features

  • And much more!

If these terms are new to you, that's okay! I'll explain everything in the course.

What's included in the course?

  • 33 bite-sized video lessons

  • Certificate of completion at the end of the course

  • Lifetime access to everything

  • Free access to future course updates

Why not use pip instead of conda?

pip is only a package manager, whereas conda manages packages, environments, and Python versions. To match the functionality of conda, you'd need to combine pip with a bunch of other tools (pyenv, virtualenv, virtualenvwrapper, etc.)

conda also has other advantages over pip:

  • conda always installs pre-compiled binary files, which makes package installation predictably easy.

  • conda can track non-Python dependencies, which is especially useful for data science packages.

Since not every Python package is available through conda, I also explain how to use pip with conda in the course.

FAQs

What do I need to know before the course?

Nothing! It's okay if you're brand new to managing packages and virtual environments.

What software do I need to install?

The only software you'll need to install is conda, which is included with both the Anaconda and Miniconda Python distributions.

In the course, I'll explain how to choose between Anaconda and Miniconda, and how to install each of them.

Does this course use the command line?

Yes, we will be running conda from the command line using a terminal application. However, you don't need to have any previous command line experience!

If you strongly prefer a visual interface, you can use Anaconda Navigator to manage packages and environments without typing conda commands. Although I don't use Navigator in the course, the conceptual parts of the course will still be relevant to you.

Which terminal application should I use?

Mac and Linux users: My preferred terminal application is Warp, which is free for individuals. (If you use my invite link when signing up, you'll get an exclusive theme.) However, you are welcome to use the default Terminal application instead.

Windows users: You should use Anaconda Prompt, which is included with both Anaconda and Miniconda.

Is this course only for Python users?

Conda is most widely used in the Python ecosystem, but it can also be used with other programming languages such as R, Java, and C/C++.

This course focuses on using conda with Python packages, though if you're using another programming language, most of the course material will still be relevant.

How long is the course?

The video lessons total about 2 hours.

What if I need help during the course?

You can post a question below any video, and I'll do my best to respond!

How do I earn a certificate of completion?

Once you have watched all of the lessons, you can request a certificate of completion.

How long will I have access to the course?

You will have lifetime access to the course.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes! I offer Purchasing Power Parity discounts (also known as location-based discounts) for all of my paid courses. If you're located in one of the 160+ qualifying countries, you should automatically see a discount code at the top of this page.

I also offer student discounts and hardship-based discounts, regardless of where you live. Please email me at kevin@dataschool.io and I'd be happy to send you the appropriate discount code.

What's your refund policy?

If you decide that the course isn't a good fit for you, I'd be happy to give you a full refund within 30 days of purchase.

I have another question...

Please email me at kevin@dataschool.io and I'd be happy to answer your question!

Course Outline

Chapter 1: Introduction

5 minutes

Course overview
Preview
Course outline
Preview
Student prerequisites and setup
Preview
Meet your instructor
Preview

Chapter 2: Getting started with conda

9 minutes

What are conda, Miniconda, and Anaconda?
Preview
Choosing between Miniconda and Anaconda
How to install conda
How to access conda

Chapter 3: Managing packages with conda

25 minutes

Listing packages: conda list
Installing packages: conda install
Updating packages: conda update
Removing packages: conda remove
Chapter summary

Chapter 4: Managing environments with conda

20 minutes

Why use conda environments?
Creating environments: conda create
Activating environments: conda activate, conda deactivate
Listing environments: conda env list
Removing environments: conda env remove
More example environments
Chapter summary

Intermission

Can I ask you a quick favor?

Chapter 5: Using conda channels

20 minutes

What are conda channels?
Installing a package from conda-forge
Configuring your channel list
How I use channels
Chapter summary

Chapter 6: Using conda and pip together

7 minutes

Comparing conda, pip, and pipenv
Best practices for using pip with conda

Chapter 7: Advanced conda features

42 minutes

Duplicating environments
Reverting changes to your environment
Renaming your environment
Changing your conda settings
Speeding up package installation
Clearing your conda cache

Conclusion

Can I ask you a quick favor?
What topics did I miss?
Request your certificate of completion
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👋 Welcome to Data School!

My name is Kevin, and I've taught Data Science in Python to over a million students.

My courses explain data science topics in a clear, thorough, and step-by-step manner.

I'd love to teach you, regardless of your educational background or professional experience.

Thanks for joining me! 🙌