Publisher review:ppgplot is a python module (extension) providing bindings to the PGPLOT graphics library. ppgplot is a python module (extension) providing bindings to the PGPLOT graphics library. PGPLOT is a scientific visualization (graphics) library written in Fortran by T. J. Pearson. C bindings for PGPLOT are also available. ppgplot makes the library usable by Python programs. It uses the Numeric Python module, to efficiently represent and manipulate vectors and matrices.
One thing I found missing from Python and Numeric Python was a good library-of-functions (module) specially designed for scientific visualization (as opposed to imaging or GUI implementation). I know there is at least one interface to Gnuplot, and other interfaces for plotting through programs like Mathematica. They are a good solution for simple tasks, and maybe even more. One has to admit, though, that they lack the power (performance) and versatility required for several more complex applications. This is true for a number of reasons:
1. They provide their services through a different task, usually communicating via temporary files. This is not the most efficient architecture, and its also not free of other problems.
2. Some of them are implemented as python scripts. Python is nice, powerful and easy to use, but it lacks the performance of C.
3. The underlying programs that actually provide the graphics capabilities are usually not general-purpose visualization tools but programs primarily designed for interactive use (e.g. Gnuplot)
In order to circumvent these limitations I decided to implement an interface module that enables Numeric Python to call the functions of the (really remarkable) PGPLOT graphics library. The interface module is written in C and provides almost the full set of PGPLOT facilities, wrapped in a python interface that resembles as much as possible the original PGPLOT semantics and calling conventions. I decided to do so in order to make life easier for those who are already familiar with PGPLOT. I have also coded an alternative interface for some PGPLOT functions that had a rather "complicated" interface. These simplified interfaces are more close to python's idiosyncrasies, and were designed to take advantage of some of its special features (like optional arguments or keyword arguments, etc).
For those of you who are not familiar with PGPLOT here's a short description:
PGPLOT is written by Tim Pearson
The PGPLOT Graphics Subroutine Library is a Fortran- or C-callable, device-independent graphics package for making simple scientific graphs. It is intended for making graphical images of publication quality with minimum effort on the part of the user. For most applications, the program can be device-independent, and the output can be directed to the appropriate device at run time.
The PGPLOT library consists of two major parts: a device-independent part and a set of device-dependent ``device handler'' subroutines for output on various terminals, image displays, dot-matrix printers, laser printers, and pen plotters. Common file formats supported include Postscript and GIF. Requirements: · A modern Python installation · The PGPLOT graphics library, including its C bindings · The Numeric extensions to Python · A Unix or Linux system
ppgplot is a Python script for Visualization scripts design by Nick Patavalis.
It runs on following operating system: Windows / Linux / Mac OS / BSD / Solaris.
ppgplot is a python module (extension) providing bindings to the PGPLOT graphics library.
Operating system:Windows / Linux / Mac OS / BSD / Solaris
ppgplot script details 
