Software & Tools Asymptote: A vector graphics language
John C. Bowman, Andy Hammerlindl · 2008
Asymptote is a powerful descriptive vector graphics language inspired by METAPOST that features robust floating-point numerics, automatic picture sizing, native three-dimensional graphics, and a C++/ Java-like syntax enhanced with high-order functions. 1 Motivation The descriptive vector graphics language Asymptote 1 was developed to provide a standard for drawing mathematical figures, just as TEX and LATEX have become the standard for typesetting equations in the mathematics, physics, and computer science communities. Asymptote has been aptly described as “the ruler and compass of typesetting” [1]. For professional quality and portability, Asymptote natively produces PostScript or PDF output. Graphics labels are typeset directly by TEX to achieve overall document consistency: identical fonts and equations should be used in graphics and text portions of a document. In this article we first highlight Asymptote’s basic graphics capabilities with an example and then proceed to review the origins and distinguishing features of this powerful vector graphics language. Further examples of Asymptote diagrams, graphs, and animations are available in the Asymptote gallery and user-written wiki: http://asymptote.sourceforge.net/gallery/ http://asymptote.sourceforge.net/links.html 2 An example