[Numpy-discussion] Latest Array-Interface PEP

[Travis Oliphant]

Colin J. Williams wrote:
> Travis Oliphant wrote:
>   
>> I'm attaching my latest extended buffer-protocol PEP that is trying to 
>> get the array interface into Python.  Basically, it is a translation of 
>> the numpy header files into something as simple as possible that can 
>> still be used to describe a complicated block of memory to another user.
>>
>> My purpose is to get feedback and criticisms from this community before 
>> display before the larger Python community.
>>
>> -Travis
>>
>>
>>     
> It would help me to understand the proposal if it could be explained in 
> terms of the methods of the existing buffer class/type:
> ['__add__', '__class__', '__cmp__', '__delattr__', '__delitem__', 
> '__delslice__', '__doc__', '__getattribute__', '__getitem__', 
> '__getslice__', '__hash__', '__init__', '__len__', '__mul__', '__new__', 
> '__reduce__', '__reduce_ex__', '__repr__', '__rmul__', '__setattr__', 
> '__setitem__', '__setslice__', '__str__']
>
> Numpy extends numarray's type/dtype object.  This proposal appears to 
> revert to the old letter codes.
>   
It extends what is done in the array and struct modules of Python.   The 
old letter codes are useful on the c-level.  They are 'hidden' behind an 
enumeration however, and so should not be a big deal.  But, the letter 
codes are still useful in other contexts.
> I have had very limited experience with C.
>   
Then this proposal will not be meaningful for you.  This is a proposal 
to extend something on the C-level.  There is nothing on the Python 
level suggested by this proposal.

-Travis