NumPy, short for Numerical Python, is a fundamental open-source library for numerical computing in Python. Created in 2005 by Travis Oliphant, it enhances Python's capabilities by providing support for large, multi-dimensional arrays and matrices, along with an extensive collection of high-level mathematical functions to operate on these arrays. NumPy is partially written in Python, but most parts requiring fast computation are written in C or C++.
The core of NumPy is the "ndarray," which is an n-dimensional array object that allows for faster computations compared to Python lists because arrays are stored in a contiguous memory location. NumPy is a vital tool in data science, machine learning, and scientific computing, offering functions for linear algebra, Fourier transforms, and matrix manipulations. Its efficient array operations and integration with other libraries make it a cornerstone of the SciPy stack, a suite of tools for scientific computing in Python. NumPy version 2.3.5 was released on November 16, 2025.