What is the Best C++ Library for Plotting and Graphical Representation of Data?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on selecting the best C++ library for graphical representation of data, specifically for plotting correlation functions and linear regressions. Users recommend considering Qt for its robust documentation and support, while also highlighting gnuplot as a viable alternative for generating plots without extensive coding. The conversation emphasizes the importance of choosing a well-supported library to avoid potential issues during development. MATLAB and Octave are suggested for users focused on learning rather than commercial software development.

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  • Familiarity with C++ programming language
  • Understanding of graphical data representation concepts
  • Basic knowledge of Linux and Windows operating systems
  • Experience with libraries such as Qt and gnuplot
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  • Research the Qt framework for C++ graphical applications
  • Explore gnuplot for automated plotting and data visualization
  • Investigate MATLAB and Octave for numerical computations and plotting
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C++ developers, data scientists, and researchers looking to implement graphical data representation in their applications.

drevo
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I will be making a C++ program for graphical representation of data. The user will import data about for example 4 different objects (some proteins or cells) and the program will plot correlation functions, linear regressions, maps (according to some generalised distance) for these objects. The user will have the abbility to change different parameters and interactively observe changes on plots. The program will produce at least 15 plots for one set of imported data.

I will be programming on Linux, but the program will be used mostly on Windows.

What library would you recommend me for the graphical part of the program? I know that i could do just fine with practically any of the libraries i found on google, but why not choose the best fit if i have the option to do so. So what is the standard library used for this kind of work? I would like something well documented and well tested (~ widely used).

I have been doing some smaller "projects" (a homework that took me about 2 days to write) with the combination of http://www.gtkmm.org/" , but it seems that especially plotmm is not supported very well since i found no forums or mailing lists. The new project will take me at least 2 months, so i really don't want to start it knowing that if some problems occur i am completely on my own.

At the moment http://www.qtsoftware.com/products/" - what do you thing about it?
 
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Why don't you just use http://www.gnuplot.info/" ?
 
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Remember gnuplot can be run to produce an image as the output which you can then load into a window in your program - so the user never knows any other program is involved.

If the aim of this is to learn about plotting and data/functions rather than producing a commercial software package you will save weeks by simply calling gnuplot in the background.

Even drawing a simple graph with tick marks and selecting ranges and drawing labels yourself is a lot more more work than you think when you start ( from bitter experience )
 
Seems like your best bet would be MATLAB or Octave. There's no reason to descend all the way into C++ just to do some basic numerical computations and produce a few plots.

- Warren
 

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