[Gdal-dev] GDAL and Python

[Christopher Barker]

Howard Butler wrote:
> Is numpy "the winner" in the sense that numeric, numarray, etc have 
> fallen to the wayside as far as developer momentum and general use?

In terms of anything new, yes. Legacy projects will probably be using 
Numeric or numarray for a while yet, but numpy is clearly the way to go 
for anything new.

>  I think going 
> forward, GDAL only wants to support one array library, and the array 
> interface stuff looks like a great way to do it.

Exactly. If you generate numpy arrays, then Numeric an numarray will be 
able to work with them efficiently anyway.

> The next-gen Python bindings are deliberately consistent with the 
> old-gen ones.

Well, that's probably a good thing.

> The biggest missing piece has been the numpy/numeric/numarray support, 
> which for lots of people is a very key piece of missing functionality.  
> I hope to close this gap.

I know it's a big gap for me.

> As far as the imports and package structure, I agree its impact is 
> probably minimal, but some might find the churn annoying nonetheless.

I still say go for it!

Are you using SWIG? If so, be sure to check out:

http://www.scipy.org/Cookbook/SWIG_and_NumPy

Also, the numpy mailing list folks are very helpful:

https://lists.sourceforge.net/lists/listinfo/numpy-discussion

You'll be well served by getting on that list and asking questions.

-Chris



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Christopher Barker, Ph.D.
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