How do I open an anaconda prompt

I have installed Anaconda on my Ubuntu 16.04 operating system. The instructions I was following seemed to think I would have a desktop icon, but I don't. I eventually found out that I needed to type anaconda-navigator in my terminal to open it.

I am now trying to open an anaconda prompt. The lack of search results on how to do so, leads me to believe that it's very trivial under normal circumstances. But I don't see any icon, and when I look for anaconda or prompt in my apps, Ubuntu returns nothing.

I have also tried typing anaconda-prompt in the terminal, but no joy.

Is there something wrong with my installation or am I missing something obvious?

2 Answers

When installing to Linux or MacOS, there isn't an anaconda prompt. Everything is set up to use the terminal.

Taken from the official anaconda website (emphasis is mine):


You can also use conda in an Anaconda Prompt (terminal on Linux or macOS).

To open Anaconda Prompt (or terminal on Linux or macOS):

  • Windows: Open the Anaconda Prompt (Click Start, select Anaconda Prompt)

  • macOS: Open Launchpad, then open terminal or iTerm.

  • Linux–CentOS: Open Applications - System Tools - terminal.

  • Linux–Ubuntu: Open the Dash by clicking the upper left Ubuntu icon, then type “terminal”.

Open terminal and use: conda activate.
"(base)" should appear in your command line.

More information: Conda: command not found on macOS or Linux

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