The pyplot scripting API

Nearly all introductory matplotlib texts and a large portion of intermediate matplotlib material focuses on the pyplot scripting layer in matplotlib. The pyplot interface offers a highly flexible and convenient means to get data into the plots with no hassles. The simple-line.py script from the last chapter highlighted this. However, this can lead one to make an incorrect assessment of pyplot.

The pyplot API is not simply a tool for beginners, especially with the advanced use of data taking place in the object-oriented API. Rather, in pyplot's simplicity rests its power. It is the right tool to use when you need the following:

• One-off scripts
• Instant feedback for the visualization of newly obtained datasets
• The means to demonstrate plot features or workflow in an IPython matplotlib notebook
• Visualization and a manual check of data from laboratory experiments
• Ways to work through problems with a publication in a textbook or journal article, in graduate work, or for...