Mathematica vs gnuplot vs matplotlib (efficency)

[andresordonez]

Hi, I'm currently working on a C program where I have a huge 2d array that changes with time, so in the end, what I have is a 3d array (double 25*24000*100) in a plain text file (about 700MB). I tried to import with Mathematica7 as a "Table" but after a long time (about 15 minutes) the kernel just quit (though it didn't crashed).

So far, I've been using C to perform the main task of my program so to speak, and I use Mathematica only to visualize the results (Import, Plot, AnimateList, etc). Usually the C part takes longer than the visualization part, but now it's the other way.

I would like to know if using gnuplot or matplotlib (python) is significantly faster than using mathematica for the kind of arrays I'm using. I've used both (gnuplot and python) to make simple plots, but I would have to spend some time learning how to make animations and manipulating the plots, besides manipulating the imported arrays.

Thanks!

 

[saray1360]

I have been using gnuplot for drawing very huge datas as yours. When you learn, it is full of joy. You can find the relevant information through the net.