why not arrays?

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  • Rahul
    #1

    why not arrays?

    Hi.
    I just wanted to know why arrays have not been included as a builtin
    datatype like lists or dictionaries? The numpy extension shows that it
    can be implemented. then why not include arrays in core python?
    rahul

    Tags: None
    • Thomas Bartkus
      #2
      Re: why not arrays?

      Because the "list" object covers all the functionality contained in the
      traditional "array" structure. If it pleases you , you can ignore the
      additional conveniences the list object offers and just treat it like an
      ordinary array.

      Unless, of course, what you are seeking are the joys associated with memory
      allocation/deallocation :-)
      Thomas Bartkus

      "Rahul" <codedivine@gma il.com> wrote in message
      news:1103205078 .423240.297790@ f14g2000cwb.goo glegroups.com.. .[color=blue]
      > Hi.
      > I just wanted to know why arrays have not been included as a builtin
      > datatype like lists or dictionaries? The numpy extension shows that it
      > can be implemented. then why not include arrays in core python?
      > rahul
      >[/color]


        Comment

        • Gerhard Haering
          #3
          Re: why not arrays?

          On Thu, Dec 16, 2004 at 05:51:18AM -0800, Rahul wrote:[color=blue]
          > Hi.
          > I just wanted to know why arrays have not been included as a builtin
          > datatype like lists or dictionaries? The numpy extension shows that it
          > can be implemented. then why not include arrays in core python?[/color]

          Arrays are included in a module in the standard module called 'array'.

          -- Gerhard

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            Comment

            • Scott David Daniels
              #4
              Re: why not arrays?

              Rahul wrote:[color=blue]
              > Hi.
              > I just wanted to know why arrays have not been included as a builtin
              > datatype like lists or dictionaries? The numpy extension shows that it
              > can be implemented. then why not include arrays in core python?
              > rahul
              >[/color]
              We know of three implementations of arrays now: the "array" module,
              the "numpy" implementation, and the "numarray" implementation. Clearly
              there are some trade offs here with no clear winner. Until there is a
              clear favorite, it would be a bad idea to choose a winner.

              --Scott David Daniels
              Scott.Daniels@A cm.Org

                Comment

                • Nick Coghlan
                  #5
                  Re: why not arrays?

                  Rahul wrote:[color=blue]
                  > Hi.
                  > I just wanted to know why arrays have not been included as a builtin
                  > datatype like lists or dictionaries? The numpy extension shows that it
                  > can be implemented. then why not include arrays in core python?
                  > rahul
                  >[/color]

                  As Gerhard mentioned, the standard library module 'array' can be used for
                  data-type specific one-dimensional arrays.

                  For more complex (i.e. multi-dimensional) arrays - the general answer is "get
                  numpy". I'm not aware of the actual reasons why numpy is not included in the
                  standard library, but some possible reasons would be:

                  - size (increase the base Python download too much)
                  - portability (less portable than the core interpreter)
                  - stability (the numpy folks aren't yet prepared to commit to the backwards
                  compatibility issues associated with being part of the standard library)
                  - logistics (merging numpy into Python is likely to be a pain)

                  Cheers,
                  Nick.

                  --
                  Nick Coghlan | ncoghlan@email. com | Brisbane, Australia
                  ---------------------------------------------------------------
                  http://boredomandlaziness.skystorm.net

                    Comment

                    • Terry Reedy
                      #6
                      Re: why not arrays?


                      "Scott David Daniels" <Scott.Daniels@ Acm.Org> wrote in message
                      news:41c1a169$1 @nntp0.pdx.net. ..[color=blue]
                      > We know of three implementations of arrays now: the "array" module,[/color]

                      This module for mutable linear homogeneous arrays is already included in
                      Python since long ago. It does not compete with the next two.
                      [color=blue]
                      > the "numpy" implementation, and the "numarray" implementation.[/color]

                      Numpy is the original multidimensiona l array numerical computation package
                      from about a decade ago. As far as I know, it is no longer being
                      supported/upgraded. However, it is still used be other packages that
                      people use.

                      Numarray is a newer package that I believe is intended to replace numpy and
                      which has only recently reached perhaps the same level of stability.

                      (Updates welcome)

                      Terry J. Reedy



                        Comment

                        • Terry Reedy
                          #7
                          Re: why not arrays?


                          "Nick Coghlan" <ncoghlan@iinet .net.au> wrote in message
                          news:41C1A246.3 070401@iinet.ne t.au...[color=blue]
                          > For more complex (i.e. multi-dimensional) arrays - the general answer is
                          > "get numpy". I'm not aware of the actual reasons why numpy is not
                          > included in the standard library, but some possible reasons would be:
                          >
                          > - size (increase the base Python download too much)
                          > - portability (less portable than the core interpreter)
                          > - stability (the numpy folks aren't yet prepared to commit to the
                          > backwards compatibility issues associated with being part of the standard
                          > library)
                          > - logistics (merging numpy into Python is likely to be a pain)[/color]

                          The base issue for all third-party package is *ownership* and attendent
                          issues of who controls style, contents, and timing of changes.
                          Transferring code or a version thereof from original authors to the PSF has
                          pluses and minuses for both parties.

                          Terry J. Reedy



                            Comment

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