I'm having a problem with PyArray_Check. If I just call PyArray_Check(args) I don't have a problem, but if I try to assign the result to anything, etc., it crashes (due to acces violation). So, for example the code at the end of this note doesn't work, yet I know an array is being passed and I can, for example, calculate its trace correctly if I type cast it as a PyArrayObject*.

Also, a more general question: is this the recommended way to input numpy arrays when using swig, or do most people find it easier to use more elaborate typemaps, or something else?

I have some experience with SWIG but it is not my favorite method to use Numerical Python with C, since you have so little control over how things get allocated. Your problem is probably due to the fact that you do not run import_array() in the module header. There is a typemap in SWIG that let's you put commands to run at module initialization. Try this in your *.i file. %init %{ import_array(); %} This may help. Best, Travis