[Pythonmac-SIG] memory allocation issue

[Chris Barker]

Bob Ippolito wrote:
> I imagine that the issue here is related to the following:
> http://bob.pythonmac.org/archives/2005/01/01/realloc-doesnt/

> I suggest taking a look for code that creates big objects, resizes  
> them to be smaller, and keeps them around for a bit.

Good idea, but I doubt that Numeric ever uses realloc(). A search 
through the code and/or a post to the NumPy list will tell you.

Chris Fonnesbeck wrote:
> It essentially
> generates long sample arrays of parameter values,


> Should I be using numarray instead -- it sounds like
> I would take a performance hit if I did. 

 From your brief description, you wouldn't take a performance hit. 
numarray is slower when creating new arrays, but if you're working with 
big arrays, then the creation time is small anyway, compared to doing 
things with them. Numarray can be faster than Numeric for some 
operations with large arrays.

I don't' think it's likely that numarray will solve your problem, but if 
it does, it will give you hint as to what the problem is.

-Chris


-- 
Christopher Barker, Ph.D.
Oceanographer
                                     		
NOAA/OR&R/HAZMAT         (206) 526-6959   voice
7600 Sand Point Way NE   (206) 526-6329   fax
Seattle, WA  98115       (206) 526-6317   main reception

Chris.Barker at noaa.gov