Graphics, Figures & Tables ⇒ How can I draw plots in LaTeX?

[ditka]

Is there a way, that I can check in latex if gnuplot is innstaled?(if latex "knows" for gnuplot)?

[ditka]

I now uninstall gnuplot, and I get the same picture. So latex is not connected with gnuplot.

Does anybody have idea why this is happening?

[ditka]

Since there is apparently no one with similar problems, does somebody have any ideals what else can I change or look, or where to ask to fix this?

[Stefan Kottwitz]

Since there is apparently no one with similar problems, does somebody have any ideals what else can I change or look, or where to ask to fix this?

You tried the alternative way with pgfplots, as to be read in earlier posts of this topic - is there a reason not to use this but to stick to gnuplot? I would simply use pgfplots - no external program needed.

Stefan

[ditka]

Yes, pgf also needs gnuplot, and I think it is more efficient drawing graphs with gnuplot that pgf.

[josephwright]

No, pgf does not need gnuplot to produce plots. I quite routinely use pgfplots to create plots for work, no gnuplot involved at all.

[ditka]

Yes I know some functions can be done without it, but when you want to draw graphs it is probably better if you use gnuplot.

[ditka]

I think latex is just not able to conect with gnuplot, and I dont have idea why.

[Stefan Kottwitz]

Yes, pgf also needs gnuplot

I agree with Joseph: pgfplots doesn't need gnuplot. That makes it easier to use. Simple example, which I posted recently on matheplanet.com:

Code: Select all

Code, edit and compile here:

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\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{pgfplots}
\begin{document}
\begin{tikzpicture}
  \begin{axis}[axis x line=middle, axis y line=middle]
    \addplot[domain=0:5, samples=100, smooth] {1/sqrt(x)};
  \end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}
 
 
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Run LaTeX here

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I think it is more efficient drawing graphs with gnuplot that pgf.

In the calculation during compilation, this may be true, though one may think about how efficient it is to call an external program many times, at each place where a plot is, producing another auxiliary file each. But for the final pdf it doesn't matter, once it's compiled.

Yes I know some functions can be done without it, but when you want to draw graphs it is probably better if you use gnuplot.

This depends on what you define is better. I think it's better, to have a native LaTeX package which perfectly integrates with your document, regarding preamble settings and styles, such as consistency regarding font style and size and math mode in axis labels and the main text.

If compilation speed is so important that it's more worth than style consistency, or if gnuplot offers a feature which pgfplots doesn't, well, use it. But then it's a challenge for less experienced users to get it running.

Perhaps tell us reasons why gnuplot may be better, I'm interested to know. You already mentioned efficiency (though I guess you mean speed, but not disk space, plot data files cost space with gnuplot).

Stefan

[Stefan Kottwitz]

I think latex is just not able to conect with gnuplot, and I dont have idea why.

This can be an operating system issue. LaTeX just calls "gnuplot", so it has to be installed so that it can be called. For example, the executable file of gnuplot has to be in the PATH environment variable of Windows, where programs are searched. Test at the command prompt: call gnuplot at the command prompt (cmd). If it doesn't start there, then also LaTeX doesn't have a chance to find it.

Stefan