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Avoiding the Pitfalls of the Anaconda License: A Practical Guide#

The 2024 license changes by Anaconda have raised concerns, particularly among sectors like academia, research, and non-profits, which previously assumed that the platform was freely accessible.

Two significant challenges now are the distinction:

  • between free usage of Conda, the package manager itself, and the licensed Anaconda distribution, which is a graphical interface integrating conda.
  • between the free channels versus the licensed channels managed by Anaconda (channels define where conda will fetch the package).

What has changed?#

The primary change centers on Anaconda’s updated definition of “Organizational Use”. Under the new license conditions, any organization (including government agencies and non-profits) with 200 or more employees or contractors must now acquire a paid license to use Anaconda’s software or packages provided via Anaconda’s managed channels.

In brief#

  • Conda, the package manager, is free, open-source and available to all.

  • Conda packages from public channels such as conda-forge, bioconda or any other community channel, are free, open-source and available to all.

  • Conda packages managed by Anaconda Inc. and Anaconda distribution are free if and only if:

    • your organization has fewer than 200 employees, or
    • Your organization is exempt (e.g. students or educational institutions, provided it is used for program-based courses).

How can I avoid licensed items?#

  • Ban Anaconda Distribution
    Turn to other alternatives: Miniconda or preferably Miniforge. <see here>
    Install Miniforge <see here>

  • Ban licensed channels
    Check and remove licensed channels in conda configuration. <see here>
    Prevent third parties from using licensed channels (when sharing environment). <see here>

This guide is designed to help you with these steps, and more. Enjoy your visit!