11 of the Best Free Linux Plotting Tools
A plotting tool is computer software which helps to analyze
and
visualize data, often of a scientific nature. Using this type of
software, users can generate plots of functions, data and data fits.
Software of this nature typically includes additional functionality,
such as data analysis functions including curve fitting.
A good plotting tool is very important for generating
professional looking graphics for inclusion in academic papers.
However, plotting tools are not just useful for academics and
scientists. Many users will need to plot graphs on occasions.
Fortunately, Linux is well endowed with plotting software.
There are some
heavyweight commercial Linux applications which include plotting
functionality. These include MATLAB,
Maple,
and Mathematica.
However, we are fervent advocates of open source software. The purpose
of this article is to help promote open source
plotting tools that are available. One package which has not
been included below but which deserves a mention is Graphviz (short for
Graph Visualization Software).
To provide an insight into the quality of software that is
available, we have compiled a list of 11 excellent plotting tools.
Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone
interested in producing high quality graphs.
Now, let's explore the 11 plotting tools at hand.
For each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description
with an in-depth analysis of its features, a screenshot of the software
in action, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.
| Plotting tools |
| gnuplot |
Command-line driven
interactive plotting program |
| Ctioga |
Command-line
plotting utility |
| LabPlot |
Data plotting and function analysis tool for KDE |
| matplotlib |
Python
based plotting system in a style similar to Matlab |
| QtiPlot |
Fully fledged plotting software |
| ROOT |
Solves
the data analysis challenges of high-energy physics |
| jHepWork |
Produces
professional graphics and has many libraries for data manipulation |
| GLE |
Graphics
Layout Engine |
| PLplot |
Scientific plotting library |
| RLPlot |
Generate
publication quality graphs |
| Genius |
Educational tool in mathematics and for research |
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Last Updated Saturday, April 13 2013 @ 06:10 PM EDT
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