The same as this:

In [1]: a = zeros(2)

In [2]: a[0] = '1'

In [3]: a
Out[3]: array([ 1.,  0.])

The question is whether such usage is likely in error, calling for an exception, or a useful convenience to avoid a cast. I tend to think that casts should be made explicit in such cases but it's a fine line. What about this?

In [5]: a = zeros(2)

In [6]: a[0] = 1

In [7]: a
Out[7]: array([ 1.,  0.])

Should a cast be required? What if the lhs is a float32 and the rhs is a python float?

Chuck