vector graphics mark-up language for maths diagrams

Question

I want to draw math diagrams, which I think falls in the category of vector graphics.

I used the Tex package TikZ for a long time, but the language is not clean enough for me and feels like a hack rather than a proper tool. For example there are so many backslashes e.g.

\foreach \x in {0,...,4} {
      \foreach \y in {\x,...,4} {
        \x --["\ifthenelse{\x=3 \OR \y=3 \OR \x=\y}{}{\x\y}",sloped] \y;
  }}

Then I tried gnuplot, which seems to focus on plotting data rather than drawing diagrams. For example, to draw a simple circle, I need to plot NaN after set object X circle ...:

set xrange [-5:5]
set yrange [-5:5]
set object 1 circle at 0,0 size char 1 fillcolor rgb "black" fillstyle solid
plot NaN

I also tried inkscape, but with its graphical interface, I hate looking for the correct button to click and prefer a markup-language type of tool.

I am going to try asymptote now. Meanwhile, can anyone recommend a good vector graphics markup language that is convenient for creating math diagrams?

Answer 1

Cairo

Cairo is a library for creating 2D vector graphics. If you are already familiar with a well-known programming language, then Cairo most likely has a library for it. This means that you don't have to spend time learning a foreign syntax. It has bindings with Python, Perl, C++, Java, and many others (see complete list). So you could use it with your preferred programming language. Features:

• Outputs in different formats, including svg for vector images
• Intuitive syntax
• Libraries for many common languages
• Is also integrated with some graphical toolkits (like GTK+ for Gimp)