Python

There is no denying it, python is one of the most popular programming languages. And although I hate the syntax until the day I die (come at me, but indentation as syntax is a mistake), the shier number of packages, tools, libraries, APIs, yada, yada, makes it extremely flexible and versatile.

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A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.

Or as I call it in German

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Die Eierlegende Wollmilchsau

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For example for generating 3D models programmatically, CadQuery is the most viable contender for me, especially considering I don’t want to suffer from OpenSCAD induced vomiting.

Not giving up on my lispy dreams though, I’m trying out Hy here and there, too.

Install as a system package

Fedora

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Should already be installed by default

sudo dnf install python

System Packages vs. pip

Installing packages globally through pip isn’t the most optimal thing, especially when using it in a development environment.

It is generally preferred to install the specific package through the official repositories or AUR, where the package name often follows the python-<package_name> scheme.

Install in an environment

Another way is to utilize virtual environments.

I, personally, prefer using miniforge, which provides the conda and mamba commands, among others.

• conda is too bloated for me
• anaconda uses the Anaconda Inc. channel

I prefer the community supported conda-forge channel, though, which miniforge uses by default and exclusively. Furthermore, miniforge is installed in user space, so it marks a clear separation of a virtual environment to the system installation.

1. Download the latest installer script from the download page, or using bash

wget -O Miniforge3.sh "https://github.com/conda-forge/miniforge/releases/latest/download/Miniforge3-$(uname)-$(uname -m).sh"

2. Run the script through bash

bash Miniforge3.sh

3. Choose no when prompted whether you want to update your shell configuration or not (doesn’t work for all shells).
4. Add miniforge’s bin directory to your $PATH
5. Close and reopen your shell
6. conda init, if your shell supports it
7. rm Miniforge3.sh the installation script

Now when you wish to activate an environment, you can simply use

conda activate env_name