Change the Default Base Environment in Conda

Problem:

on linux (debian12), how to change the default 'base' env in conda? current 'base' env use python12, i wnat use python11 as my default base env fo conda, how to do that?

Solution:

To change the default base environment in Conda to use Python 3.11 instead of Python 3.12 on Debian 12, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Your Current base Environment

1. Activate the base environment:

   conda activate base
   

2. Check the Python version:

   python --version
   

   If it's showing Python 3.12, you'll need to update it.

Step 2: Install Python 3.11 in the base Environment

1. Update Conda to ensure you have the latest packages:

   conda update conda
   conda update --all
   

2. Replace the Python version in the base environment:

   conda install python=3.11
   

   This will resolve dependencies and replace Python 3.12 with Python 3.11 in the base environment.

Step 3: Verify the Change

1. Confirm the Python version after installation:

   python --version
   

   It should now show Python 3.11.

2. Deactivate and reactivate base to ensure changes persist:

   conda deactivate
   conda activate base
   

Step 4: Set Conda to Always Use the base Environment on Start (Optional)

If you always want to activate the base environment when opening a terminal:

1. Edit your shell initialization file (e.g., .bashrc or .zshrc):

   nano ~/.bashrc
   

2. Add this line at the end:

   conda activate base
   

3. Save and reload your shell:

   source ~/.bashrc
   

Now, your Conda base environment will use Python 3.11 by default!