[Numpy-discussion] Splitting MaskedArray into a separate package

[Stefan van der Walt]

On Wed, 23 May 2018 12:29:32 -0700, Ralf Gommers wrote:
> >>  * Compatibility: MaskedArray objects, being subclasses of `ndarrays`,
> >>    often cause complications when being used with other packages.
> >>    Fixing these issues is outside the scope of NumPy development.
> >
> Hmm, I wouldn't say it's out of scope at all. Currently it's simply part of
> numpy.

That is currently the situation, yes.  I think this was meant more as
"we'd preferably not like to think about MaskedArrays any differently
than we do about other external packages, such as dask".  I.e., not
support specific hacks to make it work.

> You're missing an important step I think. You're proposing to deprecate
> MaskedArray completely (or not?). IIRC this has not been decided or
> seriously discussed before.

Good point, which certainly needs to be discussed.  My thought was to
move it out into a separate package that could be maintained more in the
spirit of a scikit by people who care deeply about its functionality.

Best regards,
Stéfan