Sandro Tosi wrote:
Hello and Happy 2009!
I received the interesting proposal to author a book on Matplotlib,
the powerful 2D plotting library for Python.
While preparing the arguments list, I'd like to hear even your
opinion, because different points-of-view will lead to a better
product.
Some basic question I'd like to ask are:
- what are you using matplotlib for?
Matplot lib shines for interactive environments wherein graphs and
charts must be produced. I have incorporated it into a simple program
for analysis of fluorometric data: http://fluorit.bravais.net/
(The forthcoming version 1.0 is a quantum improvement in speed and
function over the SLOW *prototype* version 0.9 currently available--see
the wish list, feature requests, and known issues for details. Version
1.0 is very fast.)
- what are the things you like the most of matplotlib, that you want
to give emphasis to? And why?
The ability to embed a figure (composed of subplots) into a custom
window is my favorite aspect. Also: massive configurability of plots,
event driven plot canvas, antigrain geometry antialiasing are also all
very important. Additionally the toolbar of standard interactive
functions and the ability to export plots in a variety of formats are
also invaluable features.
- what are the (basic) things that, when you were beginning to use
matplotlib, you wanted to see grouped up but couldn't find?
The documentation for basic plot configuration, especially for embedded
plots, and also tapping into the event model is very weak currently.
These need the most improvement.
- what would you like to see in a book about matplotlib?
A big, huge, gigantic, chapter---no make that 3 chapters--on programming
interactivity with the plot canvas.
- what are some those advanced feature that made you yell "WOW!!" ?
I listed them above, but my most "WOW" moment was when I saw the Tkinter
backend doing beautiful antialiasing. I was also very happy to
seamlessly add new functionality to the toolbar.
- what are the things you'd like to explore of matplotlib and never
had time to do?
I want to program a lot of interactivity with the plots in my current
application.
Your suggestions are really appreciated :) And wish me good luck!
Good luck! I can't wait to read your book!
James
--
James Stroud
UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics
Box 951570
Los Angeles, CA 90095
http://www.jamesstroud.com
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