Command referenceconda search -c
conda search -c command (Linux & Windows / Conda)
What it does
Search a specific Conda channel for a package without changing your default channel config. When people look up conda search channel, they usually want safe flags, copyable examples, and how this Conda subcommand fits Anaconda or Miniconda workflows on Linux, Windows, and macOS. Syntax, options, and practical examples are below.
Search a specific Conda channel for a package without changing your default channel config.
Syntax
conda search -c CHANNEL PACKAGE
Common options
| Flag / option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| -c, --channel | Channel to search (conda-forge, bioconda, nvidia, …). |
| PACKAGE | Package name or match spec. |
| --info | Show extended metadata. |
Practical examples
conda-forge search
conda search -c conda-forge ripgrep
Checks whether ripgrep is available on conda-forge.
Bioconda
conda search -c bioconda samtools
Common pattern in bioinformatics stacks.
With info
conda search -c conda-forge --info polars
Inspects dependencies before installing.
Common mistakes
- Adding a channel permanently with `conda config` when a one-off `-c` search/install would do.
- Searching a channel that does not publish builds for your platform.
Related commands
- conda searchSearch configured channels for available package versions before installing.
- conda installInstall packages into the active or named Conda environment from configured channels.
- conda configView and change Conda configuration such as channels, channel priority, and auto-activate settings.
- conda createCreate a new isolated Conda environment with an optional Python version and starter packages.
- conda activateActivate a named or path-based Conda environment in the current shell session.
- conda listList packages installed in the active or named Conda environment.
- conda env listList all Conda environments and mark the currently active one.
- aptSearch, install, update, and remove packages on Debian-based systems.
FAQ
What does conda search -c do in Conda?
Search a specific Conda channel for a package without changing your default channel config.
Does conda search -c work on Windows and Linux?
Yes. Conda runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS; shell activation differs slightly after `conda init`, but the CLI flags are the same.
What is a practical conda search -c example?
Try `conda search -c conda-forge ripgrep` — Checks whether ripgrep is available on conda-forge.
Is mamba the same as conda search -c?
Mamba is a faster drop-in solver for many Conda workflows. Prefer `mamba` only when it is installed; otherwise use the Conda commands on this page.
Browse the full Linux and Windows command reference to search more bash, CMD, PowerShell, Conda, and GitHub CLI commands.