[Term Entry] Python NumPy - ndarray: min()

content/numpy/concepts/ndarray/terms/min/min.md

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+---
+Title: 'min()'
+Description: 'Returns the minimum value in a NumPy array or along a specified axis.'
+Subjects:
+  - 'Computer Science'
+  - 'Data Science'
+Tags:
+  - 'Array'
+  - 'Data'
+  - 'NumPy'
+CatalogContent:
+  - 'learn-python-3'
+  - 'paths/data-science'
+---
+
+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
+
+```pseudo
+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:
+
+```py
+import numpy as np
+
+arr = np.array([12, 5, 30, 2, 19])
+result = arr.min()
+print(result)
+```
+
+The output of this code is:
+
+```shell
+2
+```
+
+## Example 2: Minimum Along an Axis
+
+This example finds the smallest value in each row:
+
+```py
+import numpy as np
+
+arr = np.array([[4, 7, 1],
+                [9, 3, 2]])
+
+result = arr.min(axis=1)
+print(result)
+```
+
+The output of this code is:
+
+```shell
+[1 2]
+```
+
+## Codebyte Example
+
+This example calculates the overall minimum and row-wise minimums:
+
+```codebyte/python
+import numpy as np
+
+arr = np.array([[15, 6, 9],
+                [4, 12, 8],
+                [7, 3, 10]])
+
+overall_min = arr.min()
+row_min = arr.min(axis=1)
+
+print("Overall minimum:", overall_min)
+print("Row-wise minimums:", row_min)
+```
+
+## 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.