# Where to Find Pip Dependencies for AI for Beginners: Complete Setup Guide

> Find pip dependencies for AI for Beginners easily. Access requirements.txt files in the repository root and binder folder for a smooth AI setup.

- Repository: [Microsoft/AI-For-Beginners](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners)
- Tags: getting-started
- Published: 2026-08-21

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**The AI for Beginners repository maintains two separate [`requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/requirements.txt) files at the root level and in the `binder/` folder, plus an optional [`environment.yml`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/environment.yml) for Conda users.**

Setting up the Microsoft AI for Beginners curriculum requires installing the correct Python packages. The repository provides version-pinned dependency files that ensure compatibility across different deployment scenarios. This guide maps each file to its specific use case and shows you how to install them.

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## Root requirements.txt: Core Curriculum Dependencies

The primary **pip dependencies for AI for Beginners** live in [`requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/requirements.txt) at the repository root.

This file captures the core libraries needed for the majority of lessons:

- **TensorFlow 2.17**
- **PyTorch**
- **Keras 3**

### Installing the Root Dependencies

Use this file for local development, virtual environments, or when running notebooks outside of Binder:

```bash
pip install -r https://raw.githubusercontent.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/main/requirements.txt

```

---

## binder/requirements.txt: Binder-Specific Packages

The repository maintains a separate dependency file at **[`binder/requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/binder/requirements.txt)** for cloud notebook deployment.

This variant pins different versions to ensure compatibility with the Binder infrastructure:

- **TensorFlow 2.13** (older stable version for Binder)
- **tensorflow-text**
- **transformers**

### Installing the Binder Dependencies

Use this version only when specifically configuring a Binder-compatible environment:

```bash
pip install -r https://raw.githubusercontent.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/main/binder/requirements.txt

```

---

## Alternative: Conda Environment Setup

For users preferring Conda, the repository provides **[`environment.yml`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/environment.yml)** at the root. This file includes the same packages plus required conda channels in a single specification:

```bash
conda env create -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/main/environment.yml

```

---

## File Reference Summary

| File Path | Purpose | Best For |
|-----------|---------|----------|
| [`requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/requirements.txt) | Core pip dependencies | Local development, standard Python environments |
| [`binder/requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/binder/requirements.txt) | Binder-tuned pip dependencies | MyBinder.org cloud deployment |
| [`environment.yml`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/environment.yml) | Conda environment specification | Conda users needing channel management |

---

## Summary

- **Two [`requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/requirements.txt) files** serve different deployment targets in the AI for Beginners repository.
- **Root [`requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/requirements.txt)** contains the latest stable versions (TensorFlow 2.17, Keras 3) for local use.
- **[`binder/requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/binder/requirements.txt)** pins older versions (TensorFlow 2.13) plus `tensorflow-text` and `transformers` for cloud compatibility.
- **[`environment.yml`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/environment.yml)** provides a Conda-native alternative with identical package coverage.
- All files use strict `package==version` syntax for reproducible installations.

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between the two requirements.txt files?

The root [`requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/requirements.txt) targets modern local environments with TensorFlow 2.17 and Keras 3, while [`binder/requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/binder/requirements.txt) pins TensorFlow 2.13 and adds `tensorflow-text` and `transformers` specifically for MyBinder infrastructure compatibility.

### Can I use Conda instead of pip for AI for Beginners?

Yes. The repository includes [`environment.yml`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/environment.yml) at the root level, which specifies the same packages through Conda channels. Run `conda env create -f environment.yml` to build a complete environment without manually managing pip dependencies.

### Why does Binder use different dependency versions?

Binder's container infrastructure has specific constraints around CUDA drivers and pre-installed system libraries. The [`binder/requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/binder/requirements.txt) pins TensorFlow 2.13 because that version has verified compatibility with the Binder build pipeline, whereas 2.17 may introduce breaking changes in that environment.

### How do I verify my dependencies installed correctly?

After installation, import the key libraries in Python to confirm version alignment:

```python
import tensorflow as tf
import torch
import keras

print(f"TensorFlow: {tf.__version__}")
print(f"PyTorch: {torch.__version__}")
print(f"Keras: {keras.__version__}")

```

Compare the output against the versions specified in your chosen [`requirements.txt`](https://github.com/microsoft/AI-For-Beginners/blob/main/requirements.txt) file.