Conda is a package manager and environment manager often used in Python projects. It more powerful alternative that can often replace pip and venv, especially for data science, machine learning, and scientific computing projects.
What Conda is
A package manager
It can install libraries written in any language (not just Python), such as:
- NumPy
- TensorFlow
- OpenCV
- R packages
- System-level dependencies (e.g., libgcc, CUDA, etc.)
It installs precompiled binaries, so it avoids the pain of building things from source.
An environment manager
You can create isolated environments where each project has:
- Its own Python version
- Its own packages
- No conflict with your system Python
This makes it similar to virtualenv or venv, but more powerful.