14.4) What Next?

Ipython: If you like to use python interactively, try ipython (http://ipython.org/). It’s an interactive shell which is way more powerful that the standard python. It loads up all the numpy functions automatically so you don’t need to write np before each NumPy function. ipython is also great for plotting (see next level) and you can use the standard unix commands directly within ipython to change or list a directiory. ipython is a package included in the Canopy distribution (the Canopy code editor is based on ipython), but you can also install it seperately if you need.

The SciPy website contains more information on NumPy and has a useful cookbook:
http://wiki.scipy.org/SciPy

For Matlab, IDL or R users, this thesaurus will make the transition to Python/Numpy easier:
http://mathesaurus.sourceforge.net/

What to learn next:

Have a look at the random functions available:

http://docs.scipy.org/doc/numpy/reference/generated/numpy.random.normal.html#numpy.random.normal

It might be useful to have a look at the list of methods available for NumPy arrays:

http://docs.scipy.org/doc/numpy/reference/generated/numpy.matrix.html