Conda Package

A conda package is a compressed archive containing libraries, binaries, metadata and package dependencies for distribution via conda channels. Conda packages are the fundamental unit of sharing and installation in the conda ecosystem.

Core Characteristics

Conda packages have several distinguishing features that set them apart from traditional Python packages:

• Cross-language Support: Can package Python, R, C++, Julia and other language components together
• Binary Distribution: Pre-built for specific platforms and architectures
• Environment Management: Tight integration with Conda’s environment system
• Dependency Resolution: Handles both Python and non-Python dependencies
• Platform-specific Builds: Optimized for different operating systems and hardware

Key Benefits

Conda packages offer several advantages over traditional Python packaging:

• Cross-platform binaries: Pre-built versions for different operating systems
• Complex dependencies: Can specify system-level library requirements
• Environment isolation: Complete dependency encapsulation
• Non-Python content: Support for multi-language software distribution

Limitations

Some tradeoffs to consider:

• Larger file sizes than wheels due to bundled binaries
• More complex build process requiring conda-build
• Limited to conda ecosystem and channels
• Not compatible with pip/PyPI infrastructure

Learn More

• Conda-build documentation
• conda package specification
• Creating conda packages