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For a plain Python grid, use a list comprehension to create a separate list for each row. For numerical work, use a NumPy array constructor such as np.zeros, np.ones or np.full. In NumPy, pass the dimensions as (rows, columns).

Choose a nested list or a NumPy array

Python’s built-in lists can represent a grid as a list of row lists. Choose this for simple grids or when ordinary Python containers are sufficient. Choose a NumPy ndarray when you need numerical array operations and want a rectangular shape with a uniform element type. NumPy also accepts a list of lists to create an array, provided the rows form a regular rectangle.

NumPy’s beginner guide describes the rectangular-shape and element-type constraints of ndarrays. Its array creation guide covers creating arrays from lists of lists and with shape-based functions.

Initialize a 2D array with Python lists

Use a nested list comprehension to create a grid of zeros:

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rows, cols = 3, 4
grid = [[0 for _ in range(cols)] for _ in range(rows)]

This creates three rows, each with four entries. The inner list is constructed anew for each row, so changing a cell affects only that row.

Avoid multiplying a single row list to create the outer structure:

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grid = [[0] * cols] * rows

That expression repeats references to the same inner list. As a result, changing a cell in one row can change the corresponding cell in every row. Use the nested comprehension when rows must be independent.

Initialize a 2D NumPy array

Install and import NumPy before using its constructors. Pass the dimensions as a tuple in row-then-column order:

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import numpy as np

rows, cols = 3, 4
zeros = np.zeros((rows, cols), dtype=int)
ones = np.ones((rows, cols), dtype=int)
filled = np.full((rows, cols), 7, dtype=int)

Use dtype=int when integer values are wanted. NumPy’s zeros reference documents that np.zeros defaults to float64 when no dtype is specified.

Pick a constructor for the starting values

Starting contents Pattern Important detail
Zeros np.zeros((rows, cols), dtype=int) Without dtype, zeros defaults to float64.
Ones np.ones((rows, cols), dtype=int) Supply the shape as a tuple.
One repeated value np.full((rows, cols), value) Use this for a constant other than zero or one; specify dtype if needed.
Uninitialized storage np.empty((rows, cols)) Values are not initialized. Assign every element before reading the array.

NumPy explains that empty can be useful when every element will be overwritten, but its contents must be filled before use in calculations. See the NumPy beginner guide.

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Convert existing rows into a NumPy array

If you already have data in nested lists and each row has the same number of values, convert it with np.array:

import numpy as np

data = [[1, 2], [3, 4]]
array = np.array(data)

The result is a regular 2D array because both rows have the same length. A jagged set of rows does not have the rectangular shape required for a regular 2D ndarray; NumPy documents this constraint in its beginner guide.

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