def array_to_npy(array_like):  # type: (np.array or Iterable or int or float) -> object
    """Convert an array like object to the NPY format.

    To understand better what an array like object is see:
    https://docs.scipy.org/doc/numpy/user/basics.creation.html#converting-python-array-like-objects-to-numpy-arrays

    Args:
        array_like (np.array or Iterable or int or float): array like object to be converted to NPY.

    Returns:
        (obj): NPY array.
    """
    buffer = BytesIO()
    np.save(buffer, array_like)
    return buffer.getvalue()