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How do I configure the Anaconda installation of Python on Windows for ExternalEvaluate?

The Wolfram Language can interface with other programming languages through the function ExternalEvaluate. The prerequisites for using Python with ExternalEvaluate are:

  • A working installation of Python
  • The library PyZMQ

Instructions for installing PyZMQ via pip are available in the Wolfram Language Documentation.

Anaconda is a popular distribution method for Python and some commonly used libraries.

By default, Anaconda stores Python and its libraries in locations that ExternalEvaluate does not look in by default. To make Python and PyZMQ accessible to ExternalEvaluate, you must first add the appropriate directories to the environment path.

With a default installation of Anaconda in location

C:\Users\username\anaconda3

you must evaluate the Wolfram Language commands

SetEnvironment["PATH" -> Environment["PATH"] <> ";" <> "C:\\Users\\username\\anaconda3"]
SetEnvironment["PATH" -> Environment["PATH"] <> ";" <> "C:\\Users\\username\\anaconda3\\Library\\bin"]

before Python can be used with ExternalEvaluate.

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