numpy-discussion

[Numpy-discussion] numarray indexing problems with Python2.5 and 64-bit platforms

[Francesc A. <fa...@ca...>]

Hi,

I've detected that numarray (1.5.2) seems to be bitten by the change in
Python 2.5 for indexes (http://docs.python.org/whatsnew/pep-353.html). 
In a Linux64 machine (using Python 2.5), I get this:

>>> a=numarray.array([1,2,3])
>>> a[1:2]
array([1, 2])  # !

However, both Numeric and numpy seems to work well with the same
scenario.

>>> b=Numeric.array([1,2,3])
>>> b[1:2]
array([2])
>>> c=numpy.array([1,2])
>>> c[1:2]
array([2])

I see this as a major issue in numarray and poses in great danger the
intended support of PyTables for numarray that we planned for some time
(until end of 2007). It would be nice to know if the numarray crew would
be willing to address this, or, now that NumPy 1.0 is out, they have
decided to completely drop the support for it.

We'd really like to continue offering support for numarray (in the end,
it is a very good piece of software) in PyTables, but don't having a
solution for this problem anytime soon, will make this very problematic
to us.

Thanks,

-- 
Francesc Altet    |  Be careful about using the following code --
Carabos Coop. V.  |  I've only proven that it works, 
www.carabos.com   |  I haven't tested it. -- Donald Knuth

Re: [Numpy-discussion] numarray indexing problems with Python2.5 and 64-bit platforms

[Todd M. <jm...@st...>]

Here's a stab at a solution but I don't have easy access to 64-bit linux 
at the moment so it is untested.   If someone is willing to test it 
(and/or fix it) I'll add it to the next numarray release.  It should be 
noted that numarray is not 64-bit enabled (it compiles as a 32-bit 
program in terms of arrays) which is another motivation to switch to numpy.

Regards,
Todd

Francesc Altet wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've detected that numarray (1.5.2) seems to be bitten by the change in
> Python 2.5 for indexes (http://docs.python.org/whatsnew/pep-353.html). 
> In a Linux64 machine (using Python 2.5), I get this:
>
>   
>>>> a=numarray.array([1,2,3])
>>>> a[1:2]
>>>>         
> array([1, 2])  # !
>
> However, both Numeric and numpy seems to work well with the same
> scenario.
>
>   
>>>> b=Numeric.array([1,2,3])
>>>> b[1:2]
>>>>         
> array([2])
>   
>>>> c=numpy.array([1,2])
>>>> c[1:2]
>>>>         
> array([2])
>
> I see this as a major issue in numarray and poses in great danger the
> intended support of PyTables for numarray that we planned for some time
> (until end of 2007). It would be nice to know if the numarray crew would
> be willing to address this, or, now that NumPy 1.0 is out, they have
> decided to completely drop the support for it.
>
> We'd really like to continue offering support for numarray (in the end,
> it is a very good piece of software) in PyTables, but don't having a
> solution for this problem anytime soon, will make this very problematic
> to us.
>
> Thanks,
>
>   

Re: [Numpy-discussion] numarray indexing problems with Python2.5 and 64-bit platforms

[A. M. A. <per...@gm...>]

On 02/11/06, Francesc Altet <fa...@ca...> wrote:

> I see this as a major issue in numarray and poses in great danger the
> intended support of PyTables for numarray that we planned for some time
> (until end of 2007). It would be nice to know if the numarray crew would
> be willing to address this, or, now that NumPy 1.0 is out, they have
> decided to completely drop the support for it.
>
> We'd really like to continue offering support for numarray (in the end,
> it is a very good piece of software) in PyTables, but don't having a
> solution for this problem anytime soon, will make this very problematic
> to us.

Someone has to say it: you could just drop support for the obsolete
numarray and provide only support for its successor, numpy.

A. M. Archibald

Re: [Numpy-discussion] numarray indexing problems with Python2.5 and 64-bit platforms

[Francesc A. <fa...@ca...>]

A Dijous 02 Novembre 2006 22:26, A. M. Archibald escrigu=E9:
> On 02/11/06, Francesc Altet <fa...@ca...> wrote:
> > I see this as a major issue in numarray and poses in great danger the
> > intended support of PyTables for numarray that we planned for some time
> > (until end of 2007). It would be nice to know if the numarray crew would
> > be willing to address this, or, now that NumPy 1.0 is out, they have
> > decided to completely drop the support for it.
> >
> > We'd really like to continue offering support for numarray (in the end,
> > it is a very good piece of software) in PyTables, but don't having a
> > solution for this problem anytime soon, will make this very problematic
> > to us.
>
> Someone has to say it: you could just drop support for the obsolete
> numarray and provide only support for its successor, numpy.

Yeah, that would be the easy path, agreed.  However, only God knows
how many code out there exists that still uses numarray (or Numeric).
We were optimistic that, given the implementation of the stunningly
efficient and easy-to-use array protocol in the three packages (NumPy,
numarray and Numeric), that very much boosted the interoperability
between them, support for all three would be a relatively easy thing
to keep in next release PyTables (with NumPy at its core).

Unfortunately, time has demonstrated how easy for a package to become
obsolete (and hence, useless) is. Just a new version of Python (2.5
this time) and the advent of 64-bit platforms has rendered obsolete
both numarray and Numeric in one shot. Mmm, perhaps it would make more
sense to support just numarray (and Numeric up to an extend) in just
32-bit platforms, but again, even that could be risky. Well, "que
sera, sera..." only time will say (as the song says).

Cheers,

=2D-=20
>0,0<   Francesc Altet =A0 =A0 http://www.carabos.com/
V   V   C=E1rabos Coop. V. =A0=A0Enjoy Data
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