I totally echo this. In my opinion, if Python was the Linux Kernel, Anaconda would be Ubuntu: i.e., it ensures that you are actually up and running within minut

I totally echo this. In my opinion, if Python was the Linux Kernel, Anaconda would be Ubuntu: i.e., it ensures that you are actually up and running within minutes and not struggling in the missing-header-files or dependencies-management hell. Of course, there's time and place for eschewing Anaconda, especially if you are trying to ensure your installation and dependencies are minimal. That said, for most data scientists who are workaday *NIX users at best, Anaconda is such a productivity boost. EDIT: Actually, my analogy needs further qualifications. You _can_ get into dependencies/missing-header-files hell in Ubuntu, but it usually doesn't happen in the first few hour/days. Both Ubuntu and Anaconda have great "first 5 minutes to 5 days" experience, and that goes a long way in ensuring the adoption of underlying technology.