difference between command prompt and anaconda prompt

python command-prompt anaconda
Michael Li picture Michael Li · Jun 23, 2016 · Viewed 54.3k times · Source

I installed anaconda into my computer using python. After I install the software, I found there is one program called anaconda prompt.

What is the difference between anaconda prompt and command prompt? If I want to update the package, which one I should use or either one. Like (conda update conda)

Thank you

Answer

Dylan Orzel picture Dylan Orzel · Jun 23, 2016

Anaconda command prompt is just like command prompt, but it makes sure that you are able to use anaconda and conda commands from the prompt, without having to change directories or your path.

When you start Anaconda command prompt, you'll notice that it adds/("prepends") a bunch of locations to your PATH. These locations contain commands and scripts that you can run. So as long as you're in the Anaconda command prompt, you know you can use these commands.

During the installation of Anaconda there is a choice to add these to the PATH by default, and if checked you can also use these commands on the regular command prompt. But the anaconda prompt will always work.

As far as updating conda, if it doesn't work in command prompt, you can do 

conda update conda

in Anaconda command prompt.

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