==========================
Everything "Conda" Related
==========================

In this overview, we will clarify the terms related to Conda, a popular package
and environment management system for Python and other programming languages.
The terms covered include :term:`Conda`, :term:`Conda-forge`, :term:`Anaconda`,
:term:`Miniconda`, and :term:`Conda-smithy`.

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Conda
=====

`Conda <https://conda.io/en/latest/>`_ is an open-source, cross-platform
package manager and environment management system. It simplifies the process of
installing and managing packages, dependencies, and environments for various
programming languages, including Python, R, and others. Conda allows users to
create isolated environments with specific package versions, making it easier
to work on multiple projects with different requirements.


Anaconda
========

`Anaconda <https://www.anaconda.com/products/distribution>`_ is a distribution
of Python and R programming languages aimed at simplifying package management
and deployment for data science applications. It includes Conda as its package
and environment manager, along with a large number of pre-installed packages
for scientific computing, data analysis, and machine learning. Anaconda
provides a convenient way to get started with data science projects, as it
contains most of the necessary tools and libraries.


Miniconda
=========

`Miniconda <https://docs.conda.io/en/latest/miniconda.html>`_ is a minimal
installer for Conda, providing only the Conda package manager and Python
interpreter. It is a lightweight alternative to Anaconda, allowing users to
create custom environments and install packages as needed. Miniconda is
suitable for users who prefer a minimal setup and want to manage their packages
and environments explicitly.


Conda-forge
===========

`Conda-forge <https://conda-forge.org/>`_ is a community-driven repository of
Conda packages, maintained by volunteers. It hosts a large number of packages
built from open-source projects, providing an extensive collection of software
that can be installed using the Conda package manager. Conda-forge packages are
built using a consistent set of tools and practices, ensuring compatibility and
reliability across different platforms.


Conda-smithy
============

`Conda-smithy <https://github.com/conda-forge/conda-smithy>`_ is a tool for
managing Conda-forge feedstocks, which are the source repositories used to
build Conda packages. Conda-smithy automates the process of creating, updating,
and maintaining feedstocks, making it easier for contributors to submit and
maintain packages on Conda-forge. By using Conda-smithy, package maintainers
can ensure that their packages are built consistently and conform to the best
practices followed by the Conda-forge community.

Summary
=======

In summary, Conda is a package and environment manager, while Anaconda and
Miniconda are distributions that include Conda. Conda-forge is a
community-driven repository of Conda packages, and Conda-smithy is a tool for
managing the feedstocks used to build those packages.

.. todo::

    - Add details about Anaconda Cloud.
    - Include information about Anaconda Navigator.