Constructor function for class AplArray

The constructor function of the AplArray class takes a scalar or vector value is input. Scalars are input as a single int, float, or single character str. Vectors are entered as a Python list. Only one dimensional arrays (vectors) of primitive data types are handled properly by the constructor. Reshaping can be handled by a wrapper function. With some work, the constructor should accept nested arrays.

class AplArray:
  def __init__(self,data):
    if type(data)==list:             # Handle list data.
      self.shape = [len(data)]       # List data only handles scalars
      self.data = data               #  for now.
      for item in self.data:
        if (type(item) not in [int, float, str]):
          print("Invalid Data Type") # Need an exception.
    elif type(data)==str:            # Handle str or char data.
      self.data = data
      self.shape = [len(data)]
      if self.shape == [1]:
        self.shape = []
    elif type(data)==int:            # Handle integer scalar.
      self.data = data
      self.shape = []
    elif type(data)==float:          # Handle float scalar.
      self.data = data
      self.shape = []
    else:                            # Need an exception.
      print "Invalid data type."