Install Marimo in Python Guide

Marimo is a reactive Python notebook. It is different from Jupyter. Cells run automatically when you change code. This makes data exploration faster. It also helps with reproducibility. You can build dashboards and apps easily.

This guide shows you how to install Marimo. We will cover pip, conda, and virtual environments. We will also test your installation. Follow each step carefully.

What is Marimo?

Marimo is a Python notebook. It is open-source. It runs in your browser. The key feature is reactivity. When you edit a cell, all dependent cells update. This removes manual reruns. You get a cleaner workflow.

Marimo also exports to static HTML or Python scripts. This is great for sharing work. It supports rich outputs like plots, tables, and interactive widgets.

Prerequisites

Before installing Marimo, you need Python. Python 3.8 or newer is required. Check your Python version with this command:

python --version

If you don't have Python, download it from python.org. Use a package manager like uv or pipx for easier management. Virtual environments are recommended but not required.

Method 1: Install Marimo with pip

The easiest way is using pip. Open your terminal or command prompt. Run this command:

pip install marimo

This downloads the latest version from PyPI. Pip will handle dependencies. Wait for the installation to finish. You should see a success message.

To verify the installation, run:

marimo --version

You will see the version number. For example:

marimo 0.9.0

Method 2: Install Marimo with conda

If you use Anaconda or Miniconda, use conda. The Marimo package is available on conda-forge. Run these commands:

conda install -c conda-forge marimo

This installs Marimo and all required libraries. Conda manages non-Python dependencies better. This is good for scientific computing setups.

Test the installation with the same version command:

marimo --version

Method 3: Install Marimo in a Virtual Environment

Virtual environments keep projects isolated. This is best practice for Python development. Create a new environment:

python -m venv marimo_env

Activate it:

# On Windows
marimo_env\Scripts\activate

# On macOS/Linux
source marimo_env/bin/activate

Now install Marimo inside the environment:

pip install marimo

You can now use Marimo without affecting other projects. To leave the environment, type deactivate.

Launch Your First Marimo Notebook

After installation, start a notebook. Run this command in your terminal:

marimo edit

This opens a new notebook in your default browser. You will see an empty cell. Type some Python code and press Shift+Enter. For example:

# Simple calculation
import math
radius = 5
area = math.pi * radius ** 2
area

The output appears immediately:

78.53981633974483

Change the radius variable. The output updates automatically. This is reactivity in action.

Create a Simple Dashboard

Marimo lets you build dashboards with sliders and plots. Here is a quick example. Create a new notebook. Add a slider cell:

import marimo as mo
slider = mo.ui.slider(1, 10, step=1, value=5)
slider

Now create a plot cell that uses the slider value:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

x = np.linspace(0, 10, 100)
y = np.sin(x * slider.value)
plt.plot(x, y)
plt.title(f"Sine wave with frequency {slider.value}")
plt.show()

Move the slider. The plot updates instantly. This makes Marimo great for interactive exploration.

Export Your Notebook

You can share your work easily. Marimo exports to HTML or Python script. Use the command line:

marimo export html notebook.py

This creates a standalone HTML file. Open it in any browser. No Python required. You can also export to a Python script:

marimo export script notebook.py

The script includes all cells as Python code. This is useful for version control.

Troubleshooting Installation

Sometimes installation fails. Here are common issues and fixes.

Issue: pip command not found

Python might not be in your PATH. Reinstall Python and check the "Add to PATH" option. Alternatively, use python -m pip install marimo.

Issue: Permission denied

On Linux/macOS, you may need to use pip install --user marimo. This installs for your user only. Or use a virtual environment.

Issue: Version conflict

Some libraries may conflict. Use a fresh virtual environment. This isolates dependencies. If problems persist, check the Marimo GitHub issues page.

Issue: Browser does not open

Marimo prints a local URL. Copy it manually into your browser. For example: http://localhost:2718.

Using Marimo with Jupyter

Marimo is not a Jupyter extension. It is a separate tool. But you can convert Jupyter notebooks to Marimo. Use the marimo convert command:

marimo convert notebook.ipynb

This creates a .py file. Open it with marimo edit. The conversion is not perfect. You may need to adjust some cells.

Best Practices for Marimo

Follow these tips for a smooth experience.

Use small cells. Keep each cell focused on one task. This improves readability and reactivity.

Name your cells. Click the cell name area. Use descriptive names like "load_data" or "plot_chart". This helps with organization.

Add comments. Use Python comments to explain complex logic. This helps others understand your notebook.

Save regularly. Marimo auto-saves, but manual saves are safe. Use Ctrl+S or the save button.

Use version control. Since Marimo saves as Python scripts, you can use Git. This tracks changes over time.

Conclusion

Installing Marimo in Python is simple. Use pip or conda. Virtual environments keep your setup clean. Once installed, you get a reactive notebook experience. Cells update automatically. You can build dashboards and apps quickly. Export your work to HTML or scripts. This makes sharing easy. Marimo is a powerful tool for data science, education, and prototyping. Start your first notebook today. Experiment with sliders and plots. You will see how reactivity improves your workflow.