This chapter explores matplotlib, an IPython library for production of publication-quality graphs. In this chapter, the following topics will be discussed:
Two-dimensional plots using the
plotfunction and setting up line widths, colors, and stylesPlot configuration and annotation
Three-dimensional plots
Animations
Being an IPython library, matplotlib consists of a hierarchy of classes, and it is possible to code using it in the usual object-oriented style. However, matplotlib also supports an interactive mode. In this mode, the graphs are constructed step-by-step, thus adding and configuring each component at a time. We lay emphasis on the second approach since it is designed for the rapid production of graphs. The object-oriented style will be explained whenever it is needed or leads to better results.