= FreeSurfer and LCN Python Development =

If you're a python developer who uses multiple package versions or environments, please install your own local [[https://docs.conda.io/en/latest/miniconda.html|mini-conda distribution]]. It will give you full access and control of the installed packages.

To facilitate quick access to python utilities in the lab, a local conda distribution for internal developers is installed at `/autofs/cluster/freesurfer/python/linux`. To use this version, make sure all calls to `python` or `python3` point to this install by adding the following to your `PATH`:

{{{
export PATH=/autofs/cluster/freesurfer/python/linux/bin:$PATH
}}}

Keep in mind there's also a `python3` link in `/usr/pubsw/bin`, so it's important that `/autofs/cluster/freesurfer/python/linux/bin` comes before that in your `PATH`. If you want a python package installed into this distribution, email [[avnish.kumar@mgh.harvard.edu|Avnish]].