Arrays in Python are very powerful and widely used data structures that are designed to store a fixed number of elements of the same data type. They generally use efficient memory management and provide faster operations that make arrays a useful tool to optimize the overall code performance and boost tasks like scientific computing, image processing, and high-performance applications. Understanding the arrays in Python will significantly help Python developers write cleaner, faster, and more efficient code.
With this Python array tutorial, you will generally learn everything you need to know about Python Arrays from creating and accessing their elements to performing more complex operations like handling 2D Arrays and NumPy Libraries. With detailed examples and key comparisons, this tutorial is your go-to resource for using arrays in Python Programming Language. Now let’s learn the Python Arrays in detail.
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Python arrays are one of the most utilized data structures that are generally used to store multiple values of the same type in a contiguous memory location. These Python arrays simply provide efficient storage and faster operations for any numerical data. While Python does not have any built-in array class like any other languages(C++, Java), you can use the Python array module or the Numpy arrays for more effective array-based operations.
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How to Create an Array in PythonIn Python, arrays are generally used to store multiple values of the same type in a single variable. The array module in Python allows you to create and initialize an array and for that, you first need to import it first. Now, let’s look at the example of declaring an array in Python.
To create an array, the basic syntax is:
Here, typecode is what you use to define the type of value that is going to be stored in the array and initialization denotes the list of values that will be stored in the array.
Understanding Typecodes for Arrays in PythonWhenever you create an array in Python, you basically need to define the type of data you want the array to contain which is generally done by type codes. A type code is basically a single character that represents a particular data type. In this table, we have mentioned the typecodes of their respective data types.
Type Code C Type Python Data Type Minimum Size in Bytes ‘b’ signed char int 1 ‘B’ unsigned char int 1 ‘u’ Py_UNICODE Unicode character 2 ‘h’ signed short int 2 ‘H’ unsigned short int 2 ‘i’ signed int int 2 ‘I’ unsigned int int 2 ‘l’ signed long int 4 ‘L’ unsigned long int 4 ‘f’ float float 4 ‘d’ double float 8Now, let’s create a Python array using the above-mentioned syntax and typecode.
Example:
Output:
Array Index in PythonThe index of a value in an array is that value’s location within the array. The counting of array indices in Python starts at 0 and ends at n-1, where n is the total number of elements in the array.
arr1 = [2,5,7,8]Element Index 2 0 5 1 7 2 8 3 How to Access Elements in Python Arrays
You can access the elements of an array in Python using the respective indices of those elements, as shown in the following example.
Output:
The index of the array elements starts from 0. When you printed the value of array1[0], it displayed the first element.
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How to Input in Python ArraysTaking input in Python can be easily done by using the input() function. You can also add a statement to ask users about the input type.
Example:
The output will be:
Basic Operations of Arrays in PythonFollowing are some of the basic operations supported by the array module in Python:
1. Traversing of an Array in PythonIterating between elements in an array is known as traversing. You can easily iterate through the elements of an array using Python for loop as shown in the example below:
Example:
Output:
2. Insertion of Elements in an Array in PythonUsing this operation, you can add one or more elements to any given index.
Example:
Output:
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3. Deletion of Elements in an Array in PythonUsing this operation, you can delete any element residing at a specified index. You can remove any element using the built-in remove() method.
Example:
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4. Searching Elements in an Array in PythonUsing this operation, you can search for an element by its index or its value.
Example:
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In the above example, you have searched for the element using the built-in index() method. Using index(3) returned the output 2 which means that 3 is at the index number 2 in array_1. If the searched value is not present in the array, then the program will return an error.
5. Updating Elements in an Array in PythonUsing this operation, you can update an element at a given index.
Example:
Output:
In the above example, you have updated the already existing value at index 2 instead of adding a new element.
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Multi-dimensional Arrays in PythonMulti-dimensional arrays are generally used to organize data in multiple layers which makes them very useful for tasks like scientific research, machine learning, and image processing.
1. 2D Arrays in PythonA 2D Array is basically an array of arrays. In a 2D array, the position of an element is referred to by two indices instead of just one. So it can be thought of as a table with rows and columns of data.
Example:
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2. 3D Arrays in PythonA 3D Array is an array of 2D arrays. It generally requires three indices to access a single element (depth, row, and column).
Example:
Output:
In the above example:
Let’s go through some common Array programs in Python.
1. How to find the Length of an Array in PythonUse the len() method to return the length of an array (the number of elements in an array).
Output:
2. How to find the Sum of an Array in PythonOutput:
Python provides a built-in function to sort arrays. The sort function can be used to sort the list in both ascending and descending order.
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Slicing of Array in PythonTo pull out a section or slice of an array, the colon operator is used when calling the index.
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To convert a list to an array in Python, you can use the array() method in the numpy module.
Example:
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To convert a string to an array in Python, you can use the string.split() method.
Example:
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NumPy Arrays in PythonNumPy arrays are a key component of the high-performance library of NumPy that is widely used for numerical computation in Python. NumPy enables a simple and efficient way of storing and processing large datasets with math operations not only with increased performance but with less use of memory compared to Python lists or native Python arrays.
Example of Creating and Using NumPy Arrays:
Output:
Array Broadcasting in PythonIn Python, the broadcasting of arrays generally allows NumPy to perform element-wise operations between two arrays of different dimensions in which the smaller array is extended virtually in order to match the size of the larger array.
Broadcasting Rules:
Example:
Output:
Here, the 1D array [1, 0] is broadcasted over each row in the 2D array
Array vs List – Key ComparisonNow below we have mentioned the key differences between arrays and lists that will generally help you to know when to choose which tool for solving your Python Programming Problems.
List Array Lists are built-in and don’t have to be imported. You need to import Array before using it. Lists can store different types of values Arrays only have the same type of values Lists are less compatible. Arrays are comparatively more compatible. Direct Arithmetic Operations can’t be done on Lists Direct Arithmetic Operations can be done on Arrays The entire list can be printed using explicit looping The entire array can be printed without using explicit looping Lists are better for storing longer sequences of data items. Arrays are better for storing shorter sequences of data items. Lists consume more memory. Arrays consume less memory. Array vs Lists in Python – Performance Benchmark ComparisonThe code below basically compares the performance of the arrays and lists in Python Programming. We have taken the example of arithmetic operations i.e., Multiplication of each element by 2 on a large dataset. From this example, you will learn that arrays are expected to perform better than lists by taking less time due to their feature of memory efficiency and contiguous storage.
Example:
Output:
Use Cases of Arrays in PythonWith this, we have come to the end of this module in this tutorial on Python Arrays. We have covered a wide range of important topics from learning how to create an array and perform operations on arrays to learning advanced concepts like 2D arrays, and Numpy libraries for Python Arrays. Whether you are optimizing the problems, analyzing the data, or solving complex data structure problems, arrays are worth mastering.
Further, check out our offers for Python training Courses and also refer to the trending Python developer interview questions prepared by industry experts.
FAQs on Arrays in Python
How is an array different from a list in Python?
Arrays are different from Lists in Python in various aspects as Arrays generally store the elements of the same type of data while lists can store different types of data. Also, Arrays are very memory efficient and faster whereas lists offer more flexibility.
When should I use arrays instead of lists in Python?
You can use the Arrays when you want to store a larger dataset of the same type and prefer memory efficiency and speed. Lists are generally used for storing mixed data types.
What is the best library for advanced array operations in Python?
For advanced array operations, you can use the NumPy library of Python which generally offers high-performance, multidimensional arrays and also support for advanced mathematical operations.
Can arrays hold multiple data types?
No, Arrays in Python cannot store multiple data types. If you want to store multiple elements of different data types, you can use lists.
How do I resize a Python array?
You can resize the array in Python by simply creating a new array with the required size and copying the elements from the original array. This can be done manually or by using built-in methods of resizing.
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