How to Install Miniconda on Debian 12

Introduction

Miniconda is a minimal installer for the Anaconda distribution that includes only conda, Python, and a few essential packages. It’s lightweight, fast to install, and allows users to manage environments and packages without the bulk of Anaconda. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install Miniconda on Debian 12, create and manage environments, and set up a basic Flask application using Conda.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have:

• A system running Debian 12

• A non-root user with sudo privileges

• Access to the terminal/SSH

Step 1: Download and Install Miniconda

First, download the latest Miniconda installer script:

Run the installer script:

Follow the prompts:

• Press Enter to scroll through the license

• Type yes to accept

• Press Enter to confirm the default install location

• Type yes to initialize Miniconda

Reload your shell to activate the installation:

Check that Conda is working:

Step 2: Create a New Conda Environment

To create a new environment named cenv, use:

Activate the environment:

Install necessary packages (e.g., Python 3.12, BeautifulSoup4, docutils):

To deactivate the environment:

You can also create an environment and install packages in one line:

Step 3: Create Environment Using a YAML File

Create a file named environment.yml:

Add the following content:

Create the environment:

Activate it:

Step 4: List Environments and Packages

To list all environments:

To list installed packages in a specific environment:

Step 5: Remove Packages and Environments

To remove a specific package:

To remove an entire environment:

Confirm the environment is removed:

Step 6: Set Up Flask Application Using Conda

Activate your environment:

Install Flask and pip:

Create your project directory and enter it:

Create the Flask app:

Paste the following code:

#myapp
from flask import Flask, render_template # importing the render_template function

app = Flask(__name__)
# route to index page
@app.route("/")
def hello():
return render_template('index.html')

if __name__ == ' __main__':
app.run(debug=True)

Create the HTML template:

Add this HTML:

Run the Flask app:

In another terminal, test the app:

Conclusion

You have successfully installed Miniconda on Debian 12 and learned how to:

• Create and manage environments with Conda

• Install packages

• Create environments from YAML files

• Remove environments and packages

• Set up a basic Flask web app

Miniconda makes Python project management efficient and consistent across teams. For production or collaborative development, using YAML files ensures reproducibility and ease of deployment.