Asymptote (vector graphics language)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page or at requests for expansion. (January 2007) |
Asymptote is a descriptive vector graphics language, developed by Andy Hammerlindl, John C. Bowman (University of Alberta), and Tom Prince, that provides a natural coordinate-based framework for technical drawing.
[edit] Syntax and Notable Features
 |
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. (November 2007) |
Labels and equations are typeset with LaTeX, for high-quality PostScript output. It is inspired by Metapost, but has a C++-like syntax. It provides a standard for typesetting mathematical figures and portable standard for typesetting mathematical figures, just as TeX/LaTeX has become the standard for typesetting equations. It is mathematically oriented (e.g. rotation of vectors by complex multiplication), and uses simplex method and deferred drawing to solve overall size constraint issues between fixed-sized objects (labels and arrowheads) and objects that should scale with figure size. Asymptote fully generalizes MetaPost path construction algorithms to three dimensions, compiles commands into virtual machine code for speed without sacrificing portability, and high-level graphics commands are implemented in the Asymptote language itself, allowing them to be easily tailored to specific applications.
[edit] Software Information
Asymptote runs on all major platforms (UNIX, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows). It is free software, available under the terms of the GNU General Public License.
