Asymptote (vector graphics language)
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. Asymptote runs on all major platforms (UNIX, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows). It is free software, available under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License.
Syntax and Notable Features
Asymptote typesets labels and equations with LaTeX, producing high-quality PostScript, PDF, SVG, or 3D PRC output.[1] It is inspired by Metapost, but has a C++-like syntax. It provides a 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 the 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,[2] and compiles commands into virtual machine code for speed without sacrificing portability. High-level graphics commands are implemented in the Asymptote language itself, allowing them to be easily tailored to specific applications. It also appears to be the first software package to lift TeX into three dimensions.[3][4]
References
- ^ Asymptote: A vector graphics language, J. C. Bowman and A. Hammerlindl, TUGBOAT: The Communications of the TeX Users Group, 29:2, 288-294 (2008).
- ^ The 3D Asymptote Generalization of MetaPost Bézier Interpolation, J. C. Bowman, Proceedings in Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, 7:1, 2010021-2010022 (2007).
- ^ Asymptote: Lifting TeX to three dimensions, J. C. Bowman and Orest Shardt, TUGBOAT: The Communications of the TeX Users Group, 30:1, 58-63 (2009).
- ^ Surface Parametrization of Nonsimply Connected Planar Bézier Regions, O. Shardt and J. C. Bowman, submitted to Computer Aided Design (2010).
See Also
- GeoGebra - free Dynamic Mathematics program with Asymptote export
External links