ELI5: gnuplot

// eli5

What is gnuplot?

Gnuplot is a computer program that helps you draw graphs and charts [1][3]. It's like giving your computer instructions to create pictures of data, similar to how you'd draw a line graph on paper in math class.

Why would you use it?

You use gnuplot when you have numbers or equations and want to see what they look like as pictures [2][3]. Scientists and programmers use it all the time because it's much faster than drawing graphs by hand.

How does it work?

You tell gnuplot what you want to plot by typing commands, and it reads your instructions and creates the picture [1][3]. You don't need to click buttons or drag things around—you just type what you want.

What can it make?

Gnuplot can make flat graphs with two lines (called 2D plots) or fancy 3D pictures that look like mountains [3]. It can also connect the dots between your data points or show what a math equation looks like when you draw it.