Run tools without installing#

conda global run lets you execute a tool in a temporary environment that is created on demand and cleaned up automatically. No permanent installation, no manifest entry, no trampoline.

This is useful for one-off commands, trying out a tool before committing, or running a specific version.

Basic usage#

Run tools without installing them

$ conda global run ruff -- check .
  Running tool ruff...

Everything after -- is passed to the tool as arguments.

Try before you install#

Not sure if a tool fits your workflow? Run it first:

$ conda global run bat -- README.md

If you like it, install it permanently:

$ conda global install bat

Use a specific channel#

Pull the tool from a non-default channel:

$ conda global run -c bioconda samtools -- --version

Multiple -c flags are supported:

$ conda global run -c nvidia -c conda-forge cuda-toolkit -- nvcc --version

How it works#

  1. A temporary environment named _cg_run_<package> is created

  2. The package is solved and installed

  3. The matching binary is located and executed

  4. The temporary environment is removed — even if the tool crashes

This is similar to pipx run or npx.

When to use run vs install#

Use conda global run when you:

  • Need a tool for a single command

  • Want to try something without committing

  • Are scripting a CI job that needs a tool temporarily

Use conda global install when you:

  • Use the tool regularly

  • Want it available on PATH permanently

  • Want it tracked in your manifest for conda global sync

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