numpy.zeros() in Python

numpy.zeros() function creates a new array of specified shapes and types, filled with zeros. It is beneficial when you need a placeholder array to initialize variables or store intermediate results. We can create 1D array using numpy.zeros().

Let's understand with the help of an example:

import numpy as np #Create 1D array arr = np.zeros(5) print(arr) 

[0. 0. 0. 0. 0.] 

Syntax of numpy.zeros()

numpy.zeros(shape, dtype = None, order = 'C')

Parameters:

• shape: integer or sequence of integers – Defines the shape of the new array. Can be a single integer or a tuple.
• dtype: optional, default is float – The data type of the returned array. If not specified, the default is float.
• order: {‘C’, ‘F’} – Specifies the memory layout order:
  • C-order: C-contiguous order means the last index varies the fastest. It is optimal for row-wise operations.
  • F-order: FORTRAN-contiguous order means the first index varies the fastest. It is optimal for column-wise operations.

Return Value

• numpy.zeros() returns a new array filled with zeros, based on the specified shape and type.

Creating 2D Array

by using NumPy, we can easily create a 2D array filled with zeros using the numpy.zeros() function.

import numpy as np # Creating a 2D array with 3 rows and 4 columns arr = np.zeros((3, 4)) print(arr) 

[[0. 0. 0. 0.] [0. 0. 0. 0.] [0. 0. 0. 0.]] 

Specifying Data Type (dtype)

dtype parameter in numpy.zeros() defines the type of data stored in the array.

import numpy as np # Create an array of tuples with zeros d = np.zeros((2, 2), dtype=[('f', 'f4'), ('i', 'i4')]) print(d) 

[[(0., 0) (0., 0)] [(0., 0) (0., 0)]] 

C vs F Order

Choosing the right memory layout can significantly improve performance, depending on our specific operations. If your operations are row-wise, use C-order. If they are column-wise, use F-order.

import numpy as np # Create a 2x3 array in C-order e = np.zeros((2, 3), order='C') print("C-order array:", e) # Create a 2x3 array in F-order f = np.zeros((2, 3), order='F') print("F-order array:", f) 

C-order array: [[0. 0. 0.] [0. 0. 0.]] F-order array: [[0. 0. 0.] [0. 0. 0.]]