Table of Contents

What is NumPy?

NumPy logo

  • NumPy is a Python library used for working with arrays.
  • NumPy stands for Numerical Python.
  • It also has functions for working in domain of linear algebra, fourier transform, and matrices.
  • NumPy was created in 2005 by Travis Oliphant . It is an open source project and you can use it freely.

Why Use NumPy?

  • In Python we have lists that serve the purpose of arrays, but they are slow to process.
  • NumPy aims to provide an array object that is up to 50x faster than traditional Python lists.
  • The array object in NumPy is called ndarray, it provides a lot of supporting functions that make working with ndarray very easy.
  • Arrays are very frequently used in data science, where speed and resources are very important.

Why is NumPy Faster Than Lists?

  • NumPy arrays are stored at one continuous place in memory unlike lists, so processes can access and manipulate them very efficiently.

  • This behavior is called locality of reference in computer science.

  • This is the main reason why NumPy is faster than lists. Also it is optimized to work with latest CPU architectures.