NumPy is the fundamental package needed for scientific computing with Python. This package contains:

• a powerful N-dimensional array object
• sophisticated (broadcasting) functions
• basic linear algebra functions
• basic Fourier transforms
• sophisticated random number capabilities
• tools for integrating Fortran code
• tools for integrating C/C++ code

Besides its obvious scientific uses, NumPy can also be used as an efficient multi-dimensional container of generic data. Arbitrary data types can be defined. This allows NumPy to seamlessly and speedily integrate with a wide variety of databases.

NumPy is a successor for two earlier scientific Python libraries: NumPy derives from the old Numeric code base and can be used as a replacement for Numeric. It also adds the features introduced by Numarray and can also be used to replace Numarray.