[Numpy-discussion] comments to ticket #454 !? : Importing numpy prevents decrementing references for local variables

[Sebastian Haase]

Another rather old ticket is this one:

http://projects.scipy.org/scipy/numpy/ticket/454>

Any comments on this !?

Thanks,
-Sebastian


On 2/16/07, NumPy <numpy-tickets@scipy.net> wrote:
> #454: Importing numpy prevents decrementing references for local variables
> ------------------------+---------------------------------------------------
>  Reporter:  goddard     |       Owner:  somebody
>     Type:  defect      |      Status:  new
>  Priority:  normal      |   Milestone:
> Component:  numpy.core  |     Version:  1.0.1
>  Severity:  major       |    Keywords:
> ------------------------+---------------------------------------------------
>  If the first import of numpy is within a function it prevents that
>  function's
>  local variables and all locals in higher call frames that led to the
>  import
>  from being deleted.  This can prevent freeing up large numpy arrays.
>
>  The problem is that numpy __init__.py imports numpy _import_tools.py
>  and creates a PackageLoader object that saves the parent frame
>
>        self.parent_frame = frame = sys._getframe(1)
>
>  Saving the parent frame results in saving the entire call stack even after
>  all those functions have returned.
>
>  I've attached Python code illustrating the problem.