What are the differences between numpy arrays and matrices? Which one should I use?

Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

From what I\'ve seen, either one can work as a replacement for the other if need be, so should I bother using both

Answer 1

Scipy.org recommends that you use arrays:

*'array' or 'matrix'? Which should I use? - Short answer

Use arrays.

• They are the standard vector/matrix/tensor type of numpy. Many numpy function return arrays, not matrices.

• There is a clear distinction between element-wise operations and linear algebra operations.

• You can have standard vectors or row/column vectors if you like.

The only disadvantage of using the array type is that you will have to use dot instead of * to multiply (reduce) two tensors (scalar product, matrix vector multiplication etc.).