[metapost] Windows version of Asymptote (a modern MetaPost replacement) available

[John Bowman]

A Microsoft Windows version of Asymptote (a modern MetaPost replacement)
is now available:

http://asymptote.sourceforge.net

Asymptote is a powerful script-based vector graphics language that provides
a natural coordinate-based framework for technical drawing. Labels and
equations are typeset with LaTeX, for high-quality PostScript output. 

Features of Asymptote:

* provides a standard for typesetting mathematical figures, just as
TeX/LaTeX has become the standard for typesetting equations. 

* inspired by MetaPost, with a much cleaner, powerful C++-like programming
syntax and floating-point numerics; 

* mathematically oriented (e.g. rotation of vectors by complex multiplication);

* LaTeX typesetting of labels (important for document consistency);

* uses simplex method and deferred drawing to solve overall size constraint
issues between fixed-sized objects (labels and arrowheads) and objects that
should scale with figure size; 

* fully generalizes MetaPost path construction algorithms to three-dimensions;

* compiles figures into virtual machine code for speed without sacrificing
portability;

* high-level graphics commands are implemented in the Asymptote language
itself, allowing them to be easily tailored to specific applications; 

-- John Bowman

Professor
Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6G 2G1

Office: CAB 521
Phone: +1 780 492 0532
FAX:   +1 780 492 6826
http://www.math.ualberta.ca/~bowman
Email: bowman at math.ualberta.ca