[Numpy-discussion] Why is the truth value of ndarray not simply size>0 ?

[Robert]

Is there a reason why ndarray truth tests (except scalars) 
deviates from the convention of other Python iterables 
list,array.array,str,dict,... ?

Furthermore there is a surprising strange exception for arrays 
with size 1 (!= scalars).

I often run into exceptions and unexpected bahavior like shown 
below, when developing or transcribing from other types to numpy.

Robert

---

>>> a=np.array([12,4,5])
>>> if a: print 2
...
Traceback (most recent call last):
   File "<interactive input>", line 1, in <module>
ValueError: The truth value of an array with more than one element
is ambiguous. Use a.any() or a.all()
>>> a=np.array([12])
>>> if a: print 2
...
2
>>> a=np.array([0])
>>> if a: print 2
...
>>> a=[0]
>>> if a: print 2
...
2
>>> a=[]
>>> if a: print 2
...
>>> import array
>>> a=array.array('i',[12,1,3])
>>> if a: print 2
...
2
>>> a=array.array('i',[0])
>>> if a: print 2
...
2
>>> a=array.array('i',[])
>>> if a: print 2
...
>>> bool(np.array(0))
False