Jupyter Lab Desktop: Installation & Configuration

Install and configure Anaconda & JupyterLab Desktop for a smooth workflow. We cover common pitfalls on both Windows and Mac systems, recommended settings, and essential features to enhance your Python development experience.

Note: The tools shown in this video are no longer recommended. See the update box above for current alternatives.

Installing Anaconda

Anaconda now requires a paid license for institutions with 200+ employees. For a free alternative that works the same way, see our Miniforge guide.

Download and Installation Steps:
– Download Anaconda from the Anaconda download page
– Skip the registration step if prompted
– Choose your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
– Run the installer

Important Installation Options:
– Creating shortcuts you need to run it later
– Adding Anaconda to PATH is not recommended by default
– Register Anaconda as the default Python 3.11 (recommended)
– Installation may take 5-15 minutes depending on your system

Installing Jupyter Lab Desktop

JupyterLab Desktop is no longer being developed. For current IDE recommendations, see our 2025 IDE comparison.

Setup Process:
– Visit the JupyterLab Desktop GitHub page to download the installer
– Download the appropriate version for your OS
– Run the installer
– Launch Jupyter Lab when prompted

Potential Installation Issues:
If you encounter environment-related issues:
– Click “Change Default Python Environment”
– Install the bundled environment if prompted
– Restart Jupyter Lab if necessary

Configuring Jupyter Lab

Recommended Settings:
– Theme selection (Light/Dark)
– Add ruler lines at 80 and 100 characters
– Choose Multi Document IDE mode for better tab management
– Enable table of contents for better navigation

Environment Management:
To install a new environment:
– Download the environment file
– Use command: conda env create --file lab_python_course_env.yml
– Ensure Jupyter Lab is listed in dependencies
– Installation time varies (20 seconds to 30 minutes)

Platform-Specific Notes

Windows:
– Terminal opens PowerShell by default (not conda-enabled by default)
– Use Anaconda Prompt for environment installation, or configure PowerShell to support conda

macOS:
– Dark theme activates by default
– May need to reset theme preference after restart
– Terminal supports conda commands directly

Pro Tips

Efficient Workflow Features:
– Use separate console for debugging (keeps notebooks clean)
– Enable table of contents for better navigation
– Set default environment in settings
– Use Zen mode for distraction-free coding

Troubleshooting

Common issues to watch for:
– Environment not showing up (restart Jupyter Lab)
– Theme resetting (known bug)
– Installation taking longer than expected (normal)
– Missing packages (check environment file)

What to Use in 2025

The Python development landscape has changed significantly since this video was made:

Package Manager:
Use Miniforge – it’s completely free and works exactly like Anaconda. You get both conda and mamba commands, and it’s compatible with all the same environments.

IDE:
For beginners, I now recommend PyCharm Community Edition – it works out of the box with zero configuration. VS Code is also excellent if you’re comfortable with some initial setup.

Coming Soon: I’m working on a complete installation guide showing how to set up Miniforge with PyCharm or VS Code. This will be the 2025 equivalent of this video, covering all the best practices and common pitfalls for the current tools.

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