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Matplotlib is a fantastic library even if I don’t love the API. The name and API come from MATLAB, and once you realize that it makes more sense. It was origin
by deepsquirrelnet 3y ago
Matplotlib is a fantastic library even if I don’t love the API.
The name and API come from MATLAB, and once you realize that it makes more sense. It was originally meant to replicate the plotting functionality in python to be familiar to MATLAB users. IMO this is what makes it feel non-pythonic, but it was never really a python API in the first place.
- riemannzeta 3y agoExactly! Typing "import matplotlib" at the python REPL instantly gave you the capability of Matlab without the requirement of a commercial license. If I recall correctly, matplotlib was built after Matlab increased the prices for its commercial license for academics. Between matplotlib and pandas I believe we have a sufficient explanation as to how python became the language of choice for data analysis.
- dr_kiszonka 3y agoBoth have excellent features and confusing APIs.