Quick Install

The easiest way to install Python and SciPy is with Anaconda, a free scientific Python distribution for Windows, Linux and Mac. The following install guide will show you how to install the minimal version of Anaconda, Miniconda, and then install pybinding.

Note

If you run into any problems during the install process, check out the Troubleshooting section.

Windows

  1. Download the Miniconda Python 3.x installer: Miniconda3-latest-Windows-x86_64.exe. Run it and accept the default options during the installation.
  1. Open Command Prompt from the Start menu. Enter the following command to install the scientific Python packages with Miniconda:

    conda install numpy scipy matplotlib
    
  2. The next command will download and install pybinding:

    pip install pybinding
    

That’s it, all done. Check out the Tutorial for some example scripts to get started. To run a script file, e.g. example1.py, enter the following command:

python example1.py

Linux

You will need gcc and g++ 5.0 or newer. To check, enter the following in terminal:

g++ --version

If your version is outdated, check with your Linux distribution on how to upgrade. If you have version 5.8 or newer, proceed with the installation.

  1. Download the Miniconda Python 3.x installer: Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh. Run it in your terminal window:

    bash Miniconda3-latest-Linux-x86_64.sh
    

    Follow the installation steps. You can accept most of the default values, but make sure that you type yes to add Miniconda to PATH:

    Do you wish the installer to prepend the Miniconda3 install location
    to PATH in your /home/<user_name>/.bashrc ? [yes|no]
    [no] >>> yes
    

    Now, close your terminal window and open a new one for the changes to take effect.

  1. Install CMake and the scientific Python packages:

    conda install cmake numpy scipy matplotlib
    
  2. The next command will download and install pybinding:

    pip install pybinding
    

That’s it, all done. Check out the Tutorial for some example scripts to get started. To run a script file, e.g. example1.py, enter the following command:

python example1.py

Mac OS X

  1. Download the Miniconda Python 3.x installer: Miniconda3-latest-MacOSX-x86_64.sh. Run it in your terminal window:

    bash Miniconda3-latest-MacOSX-x86_64.sh
    

    Follow the installation steps. You can accept most of the default values, but make sure that you type yes to add Miniconda to PATH:

    Do you wish the installer to prepend the Miniconda3 install location
    to PATH in your /Users/<user_name>/.bash_profile ? [yes|no]
    [yes] >>> yes
    

    Now, close your terminal window and open a new one for the changes to take effect.

  1. Install CMake and the scientific Python packages:

    conda install cmake numpy scipy matplotlib
    
  2. The next command will download and install pybinding:

    pip install pybinding
    

That’s it, all done. Check out the Tutorial for some example scripts to get started. To run a script file, e.g. example1.py, enter the following command:

python example1.py

Troubleshooting

If you already had Python installed, having multiple distributions may cause trouble in some cases. Check the PATH environment variable and make sure the Miniconda has priority.