[Numpy-discussion] Assigning complex values to a real array

[Dag Sverre Seljebotn]

Anne Archibald wrote:
> 2009/12/9 Dr. Phillip M. Feldman <pfeldman at verizon.net>:
>   
>
>> When I recently tried to validate a code, the answers were wrong, and it
>> took two full days to track down the cause.  I am now forced to reconsider
>> carefully whether Python/NumPy is a suitable platform for serious scientific
>> computing.
>>     
>
> While I find the current numpy complex->real conversion annoying, I
> have to say, this kind of rhetoric does not benefit your cause. It
> sounds childish and manipulative, and makes even people who agree in
> principle want to tell you to go ahead and use MATLAB and stop
> pestering us. We are not here to sell you on numpy; if you hate it,
> don't use it. We are here because *we* use it, warts and all, and we
> want to discuss interesting topics related to numpy. That you would
> have implemented it differently is not very interesting if you are not
> even willing to understand why it is the way it is and what a change
> would cost, let alone propose a workable way to improve.
>   
At this point I want to remind us about Charles Harris' very workable 
proposal: Raise a warning. That should both keep backward compatability 
and prevent people from wasting days. (Hopefully, we can avoid wasting 
days discussing this issue too :-) ).

Dag Sverre