[Numpy-discussion] subclassing RecordArrays

[Les Schaffer]

Is there a simple way to subclass RecordArrays?

it seems not.

suppose i want to have a class RecArrayD(RecArray) that returns a list 
of its fields, much like a Dict does: recarrayD.keys()

the problem is that the fromXXX functions in records.py know only about 
the one RecArray. and RecArrayD._copyFrom() seems to be of little help, 
since the new style RecArray has to be framed out first, so to speak.

which leaves me to write a new fromRecArray() function that uses the new 
class.

all to get a list of the fields.

is this by design, or am i missing something?

yes, i can get the keys like so: recarray._names, but i assume that the 
'_' in front of '_names' is there for a reason, like maybe don't count 
on it???

or would the designers be willing to add a keys()-like method in for the 
next release?

les schaffer