The NumPy for Numpties (sort-of) series
This is not quite a series in the traditional sense. It’s not a structured set of articles that build on each other in a coherent and planned manner.
Instead, it’s a collection of articles about NumPy, Python’s main library for dealing with numerical data.
Here are the articles so far, in the order they’re published, but not necessarily in the order you should read them. That’s up to you.
This is an ongoing series, so I’ll add more articles to the list as and when I publish them.
NumPy for Numpties
I can't believe this title wasn't already taken—I couldn't find it anywhere. But I guess some context is needed first for my international audience. "Numpty" is a predominantly British slang term for someone who's a bit silly or stupid. But it's normally used in a somewhat endearing manner and not as an insult.
Why Can't I Just Use A List? • Understanding NumPy's `ndarray` (A NumPy for Numpties article)
To understand NumPy, you need to understand the ndarray type. This is required. But it's not sufficient. Still, it's the place to start. When I introduced NumPy for Numpties, I called it a loose series. My intention is not to write a mini-course or a well-structured series of articles that follow nicely from each other. I have other places for that type …
A NumPy Banana Skin • `dtype` (A NumPy for Numpties article)
Today’s “article” is a bit different from my usual ones. Quite a bit different, it’s fair to say. Let me know what you think. Normal service resumes from the next article (if there’s such a thing as normal with my articles.) Code shown in both formats: as a formatted image and as a native Substack code block
The Strange Practices at The Broadcaster's Inn • Broadcasting in NumPy (A NumPy for Numpties article)
The Broadcaster's Inn sits alone at the edge of the town. It's not a flashy place, but it's popular; perhaps because of the rumours, well-known among residents of Nump Town; perhaps because of its flawless, efficient service. Perhaps, those two reasons are linked.
What's The Difference Between NumPy's `arange()` and `linspace()` (A NumPy for Numpties article)
There is a time for long and detailed articles covering every hidden aspect of a topic. This is not it. This article is brief. Meet Arav and Linda. Yes, Arav will be arange() and Linda linspace(). How predictable? I know… Arav is a sports coach. He wants to record his athletes' times in 10 metre gaps as they run, so he gets a bag of plastic cones and plac…
More articles soon…