Asymptote: The Vector Graphics Language Alternatives

Asymptote: The Vector Graphics Language

A major advantage of Asymptote over other graphics packages is that it is a programming language, as opposed to just a graphics program.

Features of Asymptote:

provides a portable standard for typesetting mathematical figures, just as TeX/LaTeX has become the standard for typesetting equations;

generates high-quality PostScript, PDF, SVG, or 3D PRC vector graphics;

embeds 3D vector PRC graphics within PDF files;

inspired by MetaPost, with a much cleaner, powerful C++-like programming syntax and IEEE floating-point numerics;

runs on all major platforms (UNIX, MacOS, Microsoft Windows);

mathematically oriented (e.g. rotation of vectors by complex multiplication);

LaTeX typesetting of labels (for document consistency);

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;

fully generalizes MetaPost path construction algorithms to three dimensions;

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.