How to create python conda 64 bit environment in existing 32bit install?
<p>I have a 32 bit installation of the Anaconda Python distribution.
I know how to create environments for different python versions.
What I need is to have a 64 bit version of python.</p>

<p>Is it possible to create a conda env with the 64 bit version?</p>

<p>Or do I have to reinstall anaconda or install a different version of anaconda and then switch the values of the PATH when I need the different versions?</p>

<p>I looked and searched the documentation, and the <code>conda create -h</code> help page did not find any mention of this.</p>

<p>As I understand, Anaconda installs into a self-contained directory (<code>&lt;pwd&gt;/anaconda3</code>). Since 64-bit and 32-bit builds of Python can not be mixed or converted into each other (in terms of the compiled Python binaries and libraries in <code>site-packages</code> or other <code>PYTHONPATH</code> location), you have to go with a second (64-bit) Anaconda installation in another directory.</p>

<p>If you have 32-bit code that needs to call 64-bit code, you have to rely subprocesses and pipes (or other IPC mechanisms). You probably have to be careful about your environment variables, e.g. <code>PATH</code> and <code>PYTHONPATH</code> when doing so.</p>

python anaconda 32bit-64bit development-environment conda