How is Anaconda related to Python? : <p>I am a beginner and I want to learn computer programming. So, for now, I have started learning Python by myself with some knowledge about programming in C and Fortran.</p>

<p>Now, I have installed Python version 3.6.0 and I have struggled finding a suitable text for learning Python in this version. Even the online lecture series ask for versions 2.7 and 2.5 . </p>

<p>Now that I have got a book which, however, makes codes in version 2 and <em>tries</em> to make it <em>as close as possible</em> in version 3 (according to the author); the author recommends "downloading Anaconda for Windows" for installing Python.</p>

<p>So, my <strong>question</strong> is: What is this <strong>'Anaconda'</strong>? I saw that it was some open data science platform. What does it mean? Is it some editor or something like Pycharm, IDLE or something?</p>

<p>Also, I downloaded my Python (the one that I am using right now) for Windows from Python.org and I didn't need to install any "open data science platform".
So what is this happening? </p>

<p>Please explain in easy language. I don't have too much knowledge about these.</p>
