Asymtote

A “Hello World” program using Asymptote - A Vector Graphics Language

Author: T.T.Le & Chat GPT

Asymptote is a potent coding language designed for generating vector images, which means that the resulting images maintain their high quality even when zoomed in. It employs a syntax reminiscent of C++, and it seamlessly integrates with LaTeX documents as a package.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a simple “Hello World” plot using Asymptote.

Checking Asymptote Installation

Before we get started, it’s important to ensure that Asymptote is installed on your computer. If you have LaTeX installed, there’s a good chance that Asymptote is already available. To check, open your terminal or command prompt and run the following command:

asy --version

If Asymptote is installed, you will see version information displayed in the terminal. If it’s not installed, you can download it from the official Asymptote website.

Creating a “Hello World” Plot

Now that we have Asymptote installed, let’s create a simple “Hello World” plot using the following code:

import graph;

size(3cm); // Set the size of the output image

real R = 2; // Radius of the circle
pair O = (0, 0); // Center of the circle

path circle = Circle(O, R); // Define the circle
filldraw(circle, purple); // Fill the circle with purple
label("Hello World!", O + (0, 0), yellow); // Optional: Add a label to the circle

// Save the image as a PDF file
settings.outformat = "pdf";
string filename = "hello.pdf";
shipout(filename);

In this code:

• We import the graph module, which provides us with tools for drawing graphics.
• We set the size of the output image to 3cm by using the size function.
• We define a circle with a radius R and a center point O.
• We fill the circle with a purple color using the filldraw function.
• We add an optional label, “Hello World!”, to the center of the circle in yellow.
• Finally, we save the image as a PDF file named “hello.pdf.”

Running the Asymptote Code

To run the Asymptote code and generate the “Hello World” plot, follow these steps:

1. Save the Asymptote code in a file with a .asy extension (e.g., hello.asy).

2. Open your terminal or command prompt and navigate to the directory where you saved the .asy file.

3. Run the following command to execute the Asymptote code: asy hello.asy

4. Once the code is executed, you will find a PDF file named “hello.pdf” in the same directory.

Note that if you want to export file into a .png format with high quality, you can use the command: asy -f png -render 100 hello.asy

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your first Asymptote plot that displays a “Hello World” message inside a purple circle. Asymptote’s versatility and integration with LaTeX make it a valuable tool for creating custom graphics and illustrations in your documents. Feel free to explore more complex designs and customize your plots to suit your needs. Happy plotting!