Re: Plans for gnuplot version 5

[Juhász P. <pet...@gm...>]

On Wed, 2014-03-05 at 09:52 -0800, Ethan A Merritt wrote:
> On Wednesday, 05 March, 2014 19:18:24 Liu Guibin wrote:
> > I expect that gnuplot can have the following several functions:
> [multiple keys]
> [multiple files in the same using spec]
> [arrays]
> [control over dashed lines]

I think that it would be best to restrict this discussion to actual
incompatible changes and not let it bloom into a full-blown
wishlist-fest.

However, given this prompt and the mention of dashed lines:

> > > Important note:  If there is some behaviour or syntax in gnuplot
> > > that has been annoying you for the last 20 years, please speak up.
> > > This is the best chance you will have to get it changed!

I cannot help but mention that I've always found the definition,
interaction and documentation of linetypes and linestyles confusing and
somewhat redundant.

In my opinion, "linetype" should mean the line pattern (continuous vs.
dashed vs. dotted vs...) and only that, while linestyle should encompass
all attributes that a line can have (color, pattern, pointinterval
etc.).
The two should be decoupled and clearly differentiated.
Linetype (meaning pattern, as defined above) should be settable
independently, on its own.

This is the main thing, while user-definable, custom linetypes (possibly
even with fancy syntax like "---..") would be a nice plus.

I might try to implement this when I have the time, provided that you
agree.

Also, may ask what is your proposed timeline for 5.0?


Peter Juhasz