Miniconda

Miniconda is Anaconda's minimal installer for conda, Python and the dependencies needed to run them. It provides a command-line starting point for developers, data scientists and automation users who want to install only the packages each project needs. It does not include Anaconda Navigator or the broad preinstalled data-science collection of Anaconda Distribution.

Main features

• Create separate environments with different Python and package versions.
• Install, update and remove packages with dependency resolution through conda.
• Activate project environments without replacing the macOS system Python.
• Choose package channels and manage repository access according to their terms.
• Export and recreate environment specifications for development and automation.
• Use a compact base installation, then add scientific, development or other packages as needed.

Installation and first use

Install this Mac cask with brew install --cask miniconda. It installs into Homebrew's Caskroom base directory and links the conda command. Follow the cask's shell-setup guidance; for zsh, run conda init zsh, then reopen Terminal. Check installation with conda list. For example, create a separate project environment with conda create -n myproject python=3.14, activate it using conda activate myproject, and install the packages your project requires. These are usage instructions, not operations performed by this catalog.

The official shell or graphical installer is an alternative to Homebrew, with a different default installation location. Avoid confusing an existing Anaconda, Miniforge or Miniconda prefix with the cask-managed installation. Review and accept the relevant installer and repository terms. Keep project environments separate from base. Package downloads generally require network access; optional private repositories require their own credentials.

Requirements, dependencies and conflicts

Current official Miniconda installers support Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 12.1 or later. The recorded Apple Silicon cask version py314_26.7.1-1 selects the Python 3.14 installer containing Python 3.14.7 and conda 26.7.1. Its ARM64 shell installer is 155,681,303 bytes; this is download size, not installed disk use.

Anaconda ended new Intel macOS installer releases after the 25.7.x line. Homebrew's Intel variation therefore remains py313_25.7.0-2, rather than matching the current Apple Silicon version. Do not assume the latest ARM64 release is an Intel-native download. Older archived installers have their own compatibility limits.

The Homebrew cask explicitly conflicts with miniforge and declares no additional formula dependency. Its raw macOS dependency field does not establish the vendor's current OS support policy. Official system requirements list a minimum 400 MB to download and install; the current comparison page estimates roughly 900 MB for an installed Miniconda base, and environments/packages need additional space. No universal RAM requirement was established.

Official non-Mac installers cover Windows 64-bit x86 and Linux x86-64/aarch64. Current Linux installers require glibc 2.28 or newer; aarch64 builds target server-class hardware and may not suit every Raspberry Pi. Consult the current system-requirements page for Windows and distribution support.

Accounts, fees and licensing

The Miniconda installer is available without a separate installer purchase, but its EULA and package licenses apply. Conda itself is an open-source component; that does not make every bundled package or repository service subject to the same license. Access to Anaconda's repositories/platform can require a paid subscription. Current terms require a Business Plan for use on behalf of a for-profit organization with more than 200 employees or contractors, including affiliates, unless an applicable exception qualifies it for free use. Personal non-commercial use, qualifying academic/non-profit use and eligible smaller businesses have defined free-use provisions. Review the full current terms and organizational eligibility before choosing channels.

An account is not inherently required to create and use local conda environments. Anaconda's web download flow asks for registration, and authenticated platform/private-repository features need appropriate credentials. The installer EULA explicitly prohibits bypassing repository payment requirements.

The icon is Anaconda's official publisher brand symbol. The media example comes from official Miniconda Windows installation documentation: it shows opening Anaconda Prompt on Windows 11, not a macOS interface or a GUI bundled with the Mac cask.

Sources: Miniconda overview, System requirements, Installation, Official installer archive, Miniconda EULA, Anaconda terms, Conda documentation.