List of Lists to 2D Array in Python - python

I have a list of lists in Python that holds a mix of values, some are strings and some are tuples.
data = [[0,1,2],["a", "b", "c"]]
I am wondering if there is a way to easily convert any length list like that to a 2D Array without using Numpy. I am working with System.Array because that's the format required.
I understand that I can create a new instance of an Array and then use for loops to write all data from list to it. I was just curious if there is a nice Pythonic way of doing that.
x = len(data)
y = len(data[0])
arr = Array.CreateInstance(object, x, y)
Then I can loop through my data and set the arr values right?
arr = Array.CreateInstance(object, x, y)
for i in range(0, len(data),1):
for j in range(0,len(data[0]), 1):
arr.SetValue(data[i][j], i,j)
I want to avoid looping like that if possible. Thank you,
Ps. This is for Excel Interop where I can set a whole Range in Excel by setting it to be equal to an Array. That's why I want to convert a list to an Array. Thank you,
Thing that I am wondering about is that Array is a typed object, is it possible to set its constituents to either string or integer? I think i might be constrained to only one. Right? If so, is there any other type of data that I can use?
Is setting it to Arrayobject ensures that I can combine str/int inside of it?
Also I though I could use this:
arr= Array[Array[object]](map(object, data))
but it throws an error. Any ideas?

You can use Array.CreateInstance to create a single, or multidimensional, array. Since the Array.CreateInstance method takes in a "Type" you specify any type you want. For example:
// gives you an array of string
myArrayOfString = Array.CreateInstance(String, 3)
// gives you an array of integer
myArrayOfInteger = Array.CreateInstance(Int32, 3)
// gives you a multidimensional array of strings and integer
myArrayOfStringAndInteger = [myArrayOfString, myArrayOfInteger]
Hope this helps. Also see the msdn website for examples of how to use Array.CreateInstance.

Related

Problems regarding conversion of List to Array in Python

What I want to do:
I want to create an array and add each Item from a List to the array. This is what I have so far:
count = 0
arr = []
with open(path,encoding='utf-8-sig') as f:
data = f.readlines() #Data is the List
for s in data:
arr[count] = s
count+=1
What am I doing wrong? The Error I get is IndexError: list assignment index out of range
When you try to access arr at index 0, there is not anything there. What you are trying to do is add to it. You should do arr.append(s)
Your arr is an empty array. So, arr[count] = s is giving that error.
Either you initialize your array with empty elements, or use the append method of array. Since you do not know how many elements you will be entering into the array, it is better to use the append method in this case.
for s in data:
arr.append(s)
count+=1
It's worth taking a step back and asking what you're trying to do here.
f is already an iterable of lines: something you can loop over with for line in f:. But it's "lazy"—once you loop over it once, it's gone. And it's not a sequence—you can loop over it, but you can't randomly access it with indexes or slices like f[20] or f[-10:].
f.readlines() copies that into a list of lines: something you can loop over, and index. While files have the readlines method for this, it isn't really necessary—you can convert any iterable to a list just like this by just calling list(f).
Your loop appears to be an attempt to create another list of the same lines. Which you could do with just list(data). Although it's not clear why you need another list in the first place.
Also, the term "array" betrays some possible confusion.
A Python list is a dynamic array, which can be indexed and modified, but can also be resized by appending, inserting, and deleting elements. So, technically, arr is an array.
But usually when people talk about "arrays" in Python, they mean fixed-size arrays, usually of fixed-size objects, like those provided by the stdlib array module, the third-party numpy library, or special-purpose types like the builtin bytearray.
In general, to convert a list or other iterable into any of these is the same as converting into a list: just call the constructor. For example, if you have a list of numbers between 0-255, you can do bytearray(lst) to get a bytearray of the same numbers. Or, if you have a list of lists of float values, np.array(lst) will give you a 2D numpy array of floats. And so on.
So, why doesn't your code work?
When you write arr = [], you're creating a list of 0 elements.
When you write arr[count] = s, you're trying to set the countth element in the list to s. But there is no countth element. You're writing past the end of the list.
One option is to call arr.append(s) instead. This makes the list 1 element longer than it used to be, and puts s in the new slot.
Another option is to create a list of the right size in the first place, like arr = [None for _ in data]. Then, arr[count] = s can replace the None in the countth slot with s.
But if you really just want a copy of data in another list, you're better off just using arr = list(data), or arr = data[:].
And if you don't have any need for another copy, just do arr = data, or just use data as-is—or even, if it works for your needs, just use f in the first place.
Seems like you are coming from matlab or R background. when you do arr=[], it creates an empty list, its not an array.
import numpy
count = 0
with open(path,encoding='utf-8-sig') as f:
data = f.readlines() #Data is the List
size = len(data)
array = numpy.zeros((size,1))
for s in data:
arr[count,0] = s
count+=1

Efficient way to make numpy object arrays intern strings

Consider numpy arrays of the object dtype. I can shove anything I want in there.
A common use case for me is to put strings in them. However, for very large arrays, this may use up a lot of memory, depending on how the array is constructed. For example, if you assign a long string (e.g. "1234567890123456789012345678901234567890") to a variable, and then assign that variable to each element in the array, everything is fine:
arr = np.zeros((100000,), dtype=object)
arr[:] = "1234567890123456789012345678901234567890"
The interpreter now has one large string in memory, and an array full of pointers to this one object.
However, we can also do it wrong:
arr2 = np.zeros((100000,), dtype=object)
for idx in range(100000):
arr2[idx] = str(1234567890123456789012345678901234567890)
Now, the interpreter has a hundred thousand copies of my long string in memory. Not so great.
(Naturally, in the above example, the generation of a new string each time is stunted - in real life, imagine reading a string from each line in a file.)
What I want to do is, instead of assigning each element to the string, first check if it's already in the array, and if it is, use the same object as the previous entry, rather than the new object.
Something like:
arr = np.zeros((100000,), dtype=object)
seen = []
for idx, string in enumerate(file): # Length of file is exactly 100000
if string in seen:
arr[idx] = seen[seen.index(string)]
else:
arr[idx] = string
seen.append(string)
(Apologies for not posting fully running code. Hopefully you get the idea.)
Unfortunately this requires a large number of superfluous operations on the seen list. I can't figure out how to make it work with sets either.
Suggestions?
Here's one way to do it, using a dictionary whose values are equal to its keys:
seen = {}
for idx, string in enumerate(file):
arr[idx] = seen.setdefault(string, string)

Appending arrays in numpy

I have a loop that reads through a file until the end is reached. On each pass through the loop, I extract a 1D numpy array. I want to append this array to another numpy array in the 2D direction. That is, I might read in something of the form
x = [1,2,3]
and I want to append it to something of the form
z = [[0,0,0],
[1,1,1]]
I know I can simply do z = numpy.append([z],[x],axis = 0) and achieve my desired result of
z = [[0,0,0],
[1,1,1],
[1,2,3]]
My issue comes from the fact that in the first run through the loop, I don't have anything to append to yet because first array read in is the first row of the 2D array. I dont want to have to write an if statement to handle the first case because that is ugly. If I were working with lists I could simply do z = [] before the loop and every time I read in an array, simply do z.append(x) to achieve my desired result. However I can find no way doing a similar procedure in numpy. I can create an empty numpy array, but then I can't append to it in the way I want. Can anyone help? Am I making any sense?
EDIT:
After some more research, I found another workaround that does technically do what I want although I think I will go with the solution given by #Roger Fan given that numpy appending is very slow. I'm posting it here just so its out there.
I can still define z = [] at the beginning of the loop. Then append my arrays with `np.append(z, x). This will ultimately give me something like
z = [0,0,0,1,1,1,1,2,3]
Then, because all the arrays I read in are of the same size, after the loop I can simply resize with `np.resize(n, m)' and get what I'm after.
Don't do it. Read the whole file into one array, using for example numpy.genfromtext().
With this one array, you can then loop over the rows, loop over the columns, and perform other operations using slices.
Alternatively, you can create a regular list, append a lot of arrays to that list, and in the end generate your desired array from the list using either numpy.array(list_of_arrays) or, for more control, numpy.vstack(list_of_arrays).
The idea in this second approach is "delayed array creation": find and organize your data first, and then create the desired array once, already in its final form.
As #heltonbiker mentioned in his answer, something like np.genfromtext is going to be the best way to do this if it fits your needs. Otherwise, I suggest reading the answers to this question about appending to numpy arrays. Basically, numpy array appending is extremely slow and should be avoided whenever possible. There are two much better (and faster by about 20x) solutions:
If you know the length in advance, you can preallocate your array and assign to it.
length_of_file = 5000
results = np.empty(length_of_file)
with open('myfile.txt', 'r') as f:
for i, line in enumerate(f):
results[i] = processing_func(line)
Otherwise, just keep a list of lists or list of arrays and convert it to a numpy array all at once.
results = []
with open('myfile.txt', 'r') as f:
for line in f:
results.append(processing_func(line))
results = np.array(results)

Convert a flat list of points to two dimensional System.Array type Array[Array[Point]] in Python

I am working with Surfaces in Python. I am trying to make a NurbsSurface from a list of control points. However, original data that is available to me is in flat list. Since in order to create a surface i need to convert that data to Array[Array[Point]] which is a type in Systems class. Since I am in Python my original thought was to create a list of lists, but unfortunately that was rejected. Error states explicitly that it only accepts Array[Array[Point]] - a two dimensional array.
dsControlPoints = [pt1, pt2, pt3, pt4, pt5, pt6, pt7, pt8, pt8, pt9, pt10]
uCount = 2
I tried taking that and converting to a list of lists since i know the number of points in U and V directions.
newControlPoints = [dsControlPoints[i:i+uCount] for i in range(0, len(dsControlPoints), uCount)]
that gives me a list of lists consisting of two points each:
newControlPoints = [[pt1, pt2], [pt3, pt4], [pt5, pt6], [pt7, pt8], [pt9, pt10]]
I am not sure what would be easier to either go from flat list or from this list of lists. I found that in order to create a System.Array i need to call a:
Array.CreateInstance([Point], (5,2))
but that creates an empty array and I have no clue how to populate it. I thought that i could just convert an existing list of lists to an array and append them together into another array but there is no such thing as append that i can call on array nor there is Array.Add that works in IronPython 2.7 which is what I am using.
How can i convert either the flat list or the list of lists to a two dimensional Array[Array[Point]] which is a System.Array type and not a Python type.
Thanks!
I suppose you're using IronPython. A 2-d array could be created like this:
from System import Array
array = Array[Array[int]]( ( (1,2), (3,4) ) )
For more information, please read this document: http://www.ironpython.info/index.php?title=Typed_Arrays_in_IronPython

How do I declare an array in Python?

How do I declare an array in Python?
variable = []
Now variable refers to an empty list*.
Of course this is an assignment, not a declaration. There's no way to say in Python "this variable should never refer to anything other than a list", since Python is dynamically typed.
*The default built-in Python type is called a list, not an array. It is an ordered container of arbitrary length that can hold a heterogenous collection of objects (their types do not matter and can be freely mixed). This should not be confused with the array module, which offers a type closer to the C array type; the contents must be homogenous (all of the same type), but the length is still dynamic.
This is surprisingly complex topic in Python.
Practical answer
Arrays are represented by class list (see reference and do not mix them with generators).
Check out usage examples:
# empty array
arr = []
# init with values (can contain mixed types)
arr = [1, "eels"]
# get item by index (can be negative to access end of array)
arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
arr[0] # 1
arr[-1] # 6
# get length
length = len(arr)
# supports append and insert
arr.append(8)
arr.insert(6, 7)
Theoretical answer
Under the hood Python's list is a wrapper for a real array which contains references to items. Also, underlying array is created with some extra space.
Consequences of this are:
random access is really cheap (arr[6653] is same to arr[0])
append operation is 'for free' while some extra space
insert operation is expensive
Check this awesome table of operations complexity.
Also, please see this picture, where I've tried to show most important differences between array, array of references and linked list:
You don't actually declare things, but this is how you create an array in Python:
from array import array
intarray = array('i')
For more info see the array module: http://docs.python.org/library/array.html
Now possible you don't want an array, but a list, but others have answered that already. :)
I think you (meant)want an list with the first 30 cells already filled.
So
f = []
for i in range(30):
f.append(0)
An example to where this could be used is in Fibonacci sequence.
See problem 2 in Project Euler
This is how:
my_array = [1, 'rebecca', 'allard', 15]
For calculations, use numpy arrays like this:
import numpy as np
a = np.ones((3,2)) # a 2D array with 3 rows, 2 columns, filled with ones
b = np.array([1,2,3]) # a 1D array initialised using a list [1,2,3]
c = np.linspace(2,3,100) # an array with 100 points beteen (and including) 2 and 3
print(a*1.5) # all elements of a times 1.5
print(a.T+b) # b added to the transpose of a
these numpy arrays can be saved and loaded from disk (even compressed) and complex calculations with large amounts of elements are C-like fast.
Much used in scientific environments. See here for more.
JohnMachin's comment should be the real answer.
All the other answers are just workarounds in my opinion!
So:
array=[0]*element_count
A couple of contributions suggested that arrays in python are represented by lists. This is incorrect. Python has an independent implementation of array() in the standard library module array "array.array()" hence it is incorrect to confuse the two. Lists are lists in python so be careful with the nomenclature used.
list_01 = [4, 6.2, 7-2j, 'flo', 'cro']
list_01
Out[85]: [4, 6.2, (7-2j), 'flo', 'cro']
There is one very important difference between list and array.array(). While both of these objects are ordered sequences, array.array() is an ordered homogeneous sequences whereas a list is a non-homogeneous sequence.
You don't declare anything in Python. You just use it. I recommend you start out with something like http://diveintopython.net.
I would normally just do a = [1,2,3] which is actually a list but for arrays look at this formal definition
To add to Lennart's answer, an array may be created like this:
from array import array
float_array = array("f",values)
where values can take the form of a tuple, list, or np.array, but not array:
values = [1,2,3]
values = (1,2,3)
values = np.array([1,2,3],'f')
# 'i' will work here too, but if array is 'i' then values have to be int
wrong_values = array('f',[1,2,3])
# TypeError: 'array.array' object is not callable
and the output will still be the same:
print(float_array)
print(float_array[1])
print(isinstance(float_array[1],float))
# array('f', [1.0, 2.0, 3.0])
# 2.0
# True
Most methods for list work with array as well, common
ones being pop(), extend(), and append().
Judging from the answers and comments, it appears that the array
data structure isn't that popular. I like it though, the same
way as one might prefer a tuple over a list.
The array structure has stricter rules than a list or np.array, and this can
reduce errors and make debugging easier, especially when working with numerical
data.
Attempts to insert/append a float to an int array will throw a TypeError:
values = [1,2,3]
int_array = array("i",values)
int_array.append(float(1))
# or int_array.extend([float(1)])
# TypeError: integer argument expected, got float
Keeping values which are meant to be integers (e.g. list of indices) in the array
form may therefore prevent a "TypeError: list indices must be integers, not float", since arrays can be iterated over, similar to np.array and lists:
int_array = array('i',[1,2,3])
data = [11,22,33,44,55]
sample = []
for i in int_array:
sample.append(data[i])
Annoyingly, appending an int to a float array will cause the int to become a float, without throwing an exception.
np.array retain the same data type for its entries too, but instead of giving an error it will change its data type to fit new entries (usually to double or str):
import numpy as np
numpy_int_array = np.array([1,2,3],'i')
for i in numpy_int_array:
print(type(i))
# <class 'numpy.int32'>
numpy_int_array_2 = np.append(numpy_int_array,int(1))
# still <class 'numpy.int32'>
numpy_float_array = np.append(numpy_int_array,float(1))
# <class 'numpy.float64'> for all values
numpy_str_array = np.append(numpy_int_array,"1")
# <class 'numpy.str_'> for all values
data = [11,22,33,44,55]
sample = []
for i in numpy_int_array_2:
sample.append(data[i])
# no problem here, but TypeError for the other two
This is true during assignment as well. If the data type is specified, np.array will, wherever possible, transform the entries to that data type:
int_numpy_array = np.array([1,2,float(3)],'i')
# 3 becomes an int
int_numpy_array_2 = np.array([1,2,3.9],'i')
# 3.9 gets truncated to 3 (same as int(3.9))
invalid_array = np.array([1,2,"string"],'i')
# ValueError: invalid literal for int() with base 10: 'string'
# Same error as int('string')
str_numpy_array = np.array([1,2,3],'str')
print(str_numpy_array)
print([type(i) for i in str_numpy_array])
# ['1' '2' '3']
# <class 'numpy.str_'>
or, in essence:
data = [1.2,3.4,5.6]
list_1 = np.array(data,'i').tolist()
list_2 = [int(i) for i in data]
print(list_1 == list_2)
# True
while array will simply give:
invalid_array = array([1,2,3.9],'i')
# TypeError: integer argument expected, got float
Because of this, it is not a good idea to use np.array for type-specific commands. The array structure is useful here. list preserves the data type of the values.
And for something I find rather pesky: the data type is specified as the first argument in array(), but (usually) the second in np.array(). :|
The relation to C is referred to here:
Python List vs. Array - when to use?
Have fun exploring!
Note: The typed and rather strict nature of array leans more towards C rather than Python, and by design Python does not have many type-specific constraints in its functions. Its unpopularity also creates a positive feedback in collaborative work, and replacing it mostly involves an additional [int(x) for x in file]. It is therefore entirely viable and reasonable to ignore the existence of array. It shouldn't hinder most of us in any way. :D
How about this...
>>> a = range(12)
>>> a
[0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11]
>>> a[7]
6
Following on from Lennart, there's also numpy which implements homogeneous multi-dimensional arrays.
Python calls them lists. You can write a list literal with square brackets and commas:
>>> [6,28,496,8128]
[6, 28, 496, 8128]
I had an array of strings and needed an array of the same length of booleans initiated to True. This is what I did
strs = ["Hi","Bye"]
bools = [ True for s in strs ]
You can create lists and convert them into arrays or you can create array using numpy module. Below are few examples to illustrate the same. Numpy also makes it easier to work with multi-dimensional arrays.
import numpy as np
a = np.array([1, 2, 3, 4])
#For custom inputs
a = np.array([int(x) for x in input().split()])
You can also reshape this array into a 2X2 matrix using reshape function which takes in input as the dimensions of the matrix.
mat = a.reshape(2, 2)
# This creates a list of 5000 zeros
a = [0] * 5000
You can read and write to any element in this list with a[n] notation in the same as you would with an array.
It does seem to have the same random access performance as an array. I cannot say how it allocates memory because it also supports a mix of different types including strings and objects if you need it to.

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