Installing Anaconda Python, pyhdf, and netcdf4 for windows 64 bit

Question

I am pretty new to python and programming , all self taught. I started a new position late last year requiring me to create and maintain large scientific data sets. A big hurdle was learning to install the pyhdf and netcdf4 modules for 64 bit python 2.7 on windows. Here is how to do that.

Answer 1

NEW CONDENSED VERSION ----- JUNE 2016

I have learned more since I wrote this question. Anaconda makes everything except pyhdf (to my knowledge) easier.

1. Anaconda

Download Anaconda 2.7 windows 64 bit from here! and install at C:\Anaconda

2. Numpy

conda update numpy

3. PIP

conda update pip

4. Pyhdf

Download pyhdf python 2.7 64 bit from here!

pip install C:\Users\username\Downloads\pyhdf_file

5. Netcdf

conda update netcdf4

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OLD METHOD ----- OCTOBER 2014

1. Anaconda

Download Anaconda 2.7 windows 64 bit from here! and install at C:\Anaconda

2. Numpy

In command prompt. You could also use the below method to pip install numpy.

conda install numpy

3. PIP

I used the directions found here!. They are also found below.

Download ez_setup.py and then run:

python ez_setup.py

Then download get-pip.py and run:

python get-pip.py

upgrade installed setuptools by pip:

pip install setuptools --upgrade

4. Pyhdf

Download pyhdf python 2.7 64 bit from here!

pip install C:\Users\username\Downloads\pyhdf_file

5. Netcdf

Download netcdf4 python 2.7 64 bit from here!

pip install C:\Users\username\Downloads\netcdf4_file