Command referenceconda list --explicit
conda list --explicit command (Linux & Windows / Conda)
What it does
Print exact package URLs for the environment so you can recreate the same builds later. When people look up conda list explicit, 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.
Print exact package URLs for the environment so you can recreate the same builds later.
Syntax
conda list --explicit [-n ENV] > spec-file.txt
Common options
| Flag / option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| --explicit | Emit full package URLs. |
| -n, --name | Environment to export. |
| > spec-file.txt | Save the lock-like list to disk. |
Practical examples
Write a spec file
conda list --explicit > spec-file.txt
Captures exact builds from the active environment.
Recreate later
conda create --name repro --file spec-file.txt
Builds a new env from the explicit URL list.
Named env
conda list -n ml --explicit > ml-spec.txt
Exports ml without activating it.
Common mistakes
- Sharing explicit files across Windows and Linux unchanged.
- Editing URLs by hand and breaking checksums / paths.
Related commands
- conda listList packages installed in the active or named Conda environment.
- conda env exportExport the active (or named) environment to a YAML or explicit package lock for sharing.
- conda createCreate a new isolated Conda environment with an optional Python version and starter packages.
- conda installInstall packages into the active or named Conda environment from configured channels.
- conda activateActivate a named or path-based Conda environment in the current shell session.
- conda env listList all Conda environments and mark the currently active one.
- aptSearch, install, update, and remove packages on Debian-based systems.
- conda env createCreate an environment from an environment.yml (or similar) specification file.
FAQ
What does conda list --explicit do in Conda?
Print exact package URLs for the environment so you can recreate the same builds later.
Does conda list --explicit 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 list --explicit example?
Try `conda list --explicit > spec-file.txt` — Captures exact builds from the active environment.
Is mamba the same as conda list --explicit?
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.
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