Backends

This library currently include a GnuPlot backend and an experimental OpenGL backend. Coming up with new backends is a continuous process. See the complete article for a description of the backend interface, a description of the current default backend (Gnuplot pipe), and what's involved in possible new backends. See the directory source/matplot/backend for some examples. Also, have a look at this example test/backends/main.cpp.

If you're in a hurry, here is a summary of the backends we have and the backends we have been considering or are working on:

• Gnuplot
  • Pros: It seems to be working for everyone.
  • Cons: Pipes are comparatively slow and unidirectional
  • In practice, this is default backend you'll get right now.
• OpenGL
  • Pros: Efficient for many FPS.
  • Cons: Blocks the main thread on some operating systems
  • The experimental OpenGL backend already works for some plot categories. ^{see 1}
• Qt
  • Same as OpenGL ^{see 1, 2}
• AGG
  • Pros: Great for vector graphics
  • Cons: Unmaintained, 2D only, and non-interactive by itself ^{see 1, 2, 3}