How to convert python int into numpy.int64? : <p>Given a variable in python of type <code>int</code>, e.g. </p>

<pre><code>z = 50
type(z) 
## outputs &lt;class 'int'&gt;
</code></pre>

<p>is there a straightforward way to convert this variable into <code>numpy.int64</code>? </p>

<p>It appears one would have to convert this variable into a numpy array, and then convert this into int64. That feels quite convoluted.</p>

<p><a href="https://docs.scipy.org/doc/numpy-1.13.0/user/basics.types.html" rel="noreferrer">https://docs.scipy.org/doc/numpy-1.13.0/user/basics.types.html</a></p>
