Using miniconda

The easiest way to work with Python is through miniconda, which helps you create virtual environments isolated of each other and local to your UNIX user. This way you can switch between Python and packages versions.

Installing conda

Download the appropriate installer from here.

Example using 64-bit Linux:

# dowload installer
curl https://repo.continuum.io/miniconda/Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh -o miniconda.sh

# run it
bash miniconda.sh

# follow instructions...

Using conda

Create a new environment for your project with this command:

conda create --name=project

You can specify a Python version:

conda create --name=project python=3.5

Activate your environment:

source activate project

Install packages in that environment:

pip install numpy

Deactivate environment:

source deactivate

Other resources