The `w` typecode of `array.array` is new in Python 3.13

[Akuli]

Documentation

The w typecode was added in Python 3.13, but the docs do not mention it.

Furthermore, the documentation on u recommends using w as an alternative in a note that applies to Python 3.3+, which gives the impression that w has been available at least since Python 3.3. This is misleading.

Python 3.11.2 (main, Apr 28 2025, 14:11:48) [GCC 12.2.0] on linux
Type "help", "copyright", "credits" or "license" for more information.
>>> import array
>>> array.array('w')
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module>
ValueError: bad typecode (must be b, B, u, h, H, i, I, l, L, q, Q, f or d)

Linked PRs

• gh-137183: Document that array.array typecode w is new in 3.13 #137184
• [3.14] gh-137183: Document that array.array typecode w is new in 3.13 (GH-137184) #137208
• [3.13] gh-137183: Document that array.array typecode w is new in 3.13 (GH-137184) #137209

[sobolevn]

@Akuli PR is welcome :)