Python:NumPy min()

The ndarray.min() method returns the smallest value in a NumPy array. It can find the minimum of the entire array or along a specific axis. The result is always returned as a scalar or a new array depending on the axis used.

Syntax

ndarray.min(axis=None, out=None, keepdims=False, initial=<no value>, where=True)

Parameters:

• axis (optional): Axis along which the minimum is computed.
  • None (default): Computes the minimum of the entire array.
  • 0: Computes the column-wise minimum of the entire array.
  • 1: Computes the row-wise minimum of the entire array.
• out (optional): Output array to store the result. Must have the correct shape.
• keepdims (bool): If True, retains reduced dimensions with size 1.
• initial (optional): Starting value used for comparison before array elements are considered.
• where (array_like of bool): Condition that selects elements to be included in the reduction.

Return value:

A scalar or array containing the minimum values. If an axis is specified, the result is returned with one fewer dimension unless keepdims=True is used.

Example 1: Minimum of an Entire Array

This example computes the minimum of a one-dimensional array:

import numpy as np

arr = np.array([12, 5, 30, 2, 19])
result = arr.min()
print(result)

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The output of this code is:

2

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Example 2: Minimum Along an Axis

This example finds the smallest value in each row:

import numpy as np

arr = np.array([[4, 7, 1],
                [9, 3, 2]])

result = arr.min(axis=1)
print(result)

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The output of this code is:

[1 2]

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Codebyte Example

This example calculates the overall minimum and row-wise minimums:

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a NumPy ndarray in Python?

NumPy ndarray is a multidimensional array object used for efficient numerical computing.

2. What is the min() function in NumPy?

min() is a reduction method that returns the smallest value in a NumPy array or along a specific axis.

3. What is %s and %d in Python?

%s and %d are old-style string formatting placeholders:

• %s: Inserts a string.
• %d: Inserts an integer.