--- tags: Content --- # About <!--About the conda organization and conda ecosystem--> **This was copied from a draft of the [FAQ page.](https://hackmd.io/6UkorjPXS5uEWxUCX_WwFw)** **`conda` is an open-source, cross-platform environment and binary package manager. Conda is also an *ecosystem* for package and runtime environment management. Finally, conda is a community of people that support and use the conda ecosystem.** ### The `conda` Package and Environment Manager The conda Ecosystem all started with the `conda` package and environment manager program. The `conda` program is open-source, and supports binary packages across Windows, macOS, Linux and z/OS. `conda` also helps users create completely separate development environments with vastly different package installations. The `conda` program is just one of many tools in the conda ecosystem. ### Conda Ecosystem The *conda ecosystem* includes tools, repositories, and other resources that are used to create, update, manage, and distribute *conda-compatible* packages. The ecosystem includes the *conda community* and the *conda Organization*, which govens overall direction and helps manage shared resources like this website. ### How do we know which meaning of conda we are talking about? When refering to the conda ecosystem, community, or organization we will try to always use just a plain text "conda" (or "Conda" if at the start of a sentence). When refering to `conda` the computer program we will try to always show it in a `monospaced font`. See also FAQ?