NumPy Documentation Archive

This repository is a collection of instruction manuals for NumPy, a popular Python library for working with numbers and data. Instead of hosting everything in one place, this repo stores the documentation for each released version of NumPy separately, so users can look up how to use the specific version they have installed on their computer.

When NumPy releases a new version, the maintainers generate a set of HTML pages that explain all the functions, classes, and features in that release. Those pages get bundled up and stored in their own folder in this repository—one folder per version (like "1.18" for version 1.18). The main index page acts like a table of contents, showing visitors which versions are available and linking them to the right documentation for each one.

The practical upside is that someone working with an older version of NumPy can still find documentation that matches their code, rather than being forced to read about new features they don't have. It also means the documentation doesn't disappear when a new version comes out. When a new version is released, maintainers run a build command to generate the fresh documentation, drop it into a new folder, update the index page to link to it, and push it all to git.

This is maintained by the NumPy community to ensure that anyone—whether they're using the latest version or something from five years ago—can find reliable instructions and reference material for the version of NumPy they're actually using.