[Numpy-discussion] missing array type

[Travis Oliphant]

Sasha wrote:

>>>>b = array([1])
>>>>ndarray((5,), strides=(0,), buffer=b)
>>>>        
>>>>
>Traceback (most recent call last):
>  File "<stdin>", line 1, in ?
>TypeError: buffer is too small for requested array
>
>I would think memory-saving is the only justification for allowing
>zero strides.
>
>What use does your change enable?
>  
>
I was just simplifying the PyArray_CheckStrides code. 
I didn't try to actually enable creating 0-stride arrays in 
PyArray_NewFromDescr.
I don't mind if it is enabled though.   I just haven't done it yet.

I agree that 0-stride arrays are a "can-of-worms", and I also do not see 
changing ufunc behavior.  The current behavior is understandable and 
exactly what one would expect with zero-stride and multiple dimensioned 
arrays.  

i.e.

b = arange(5);
b.strides = 0
add(b,1,b)

where b has shape (5,) and stride (0,) would add 1 to the first element 
of b 5 times.  Since all elements of the array b are obtained from the 
first element (that's what stride=0 means), you end up with an array of 
all 5's.   This may not be useful, I agree, but it is understandable and 
changing it would be too much of an exception.   If somebody is creating 
0-stride arrays on their own, then they must know what they are doing.

-Travis