How to use matplotlib in python?
What is matplotlib?
Matplotlib's primary means, or purpose, is to create static, animated, and interactive visualizations in Python.
How to use matplotlib in python?
1. Installation:
pip install matplotlib
2. Importing Matplotlib:
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
3. Basic Plotting:
Use the plt.plot(x, y) function to create a line plot:
Python
x = [1, 2, 3, 4]
y = [2, 4, 5, 4]
plt.plot(x, y)
plt.show() # This displays the plot
4. Customizing the Plot:
Labels and Title:
- Add labels for the x and y axes using plt.xlabel() and plt.ylabel().
- Set a title for the plot using plt.title().
Line Style and Color:
- Change the line style (solid, dashed, dotted) using the linestyle argument in plt.plot().
- Customize the line color using the color argument (e.g., 'red', 'blue', 'green').
Python
plt.plot(x, y, linestyle='--', color='red') # Dashed red line
plt.xlabel('X-axis Label')
plt.ylabel('Y-axis Label')
plt.title('My Plot Title')
plt.show()
5. Multiple Plots:
- Create multiple plots on the same figure using additional plt.plot() calls or subplots:
- Multiple Lines:
Plot multiple lines with different data sets using separate plt.plot() calls.
- Subplots:
Use plt.subplots() to create a grid of subplots and plot on each one.
Python
x1 = [1, 2, 3]
y1 = [3, 5, 7]
x2 = [2, 4, 5]
y2 = [4, 2, 1]
plt.plot(x1, y1, label='Line 1') # Add labels for identification
plt.plot(x2, y2, label='Line 2')
plt.xlabel('X-axis')
plt.ylabel('Y-axis')
plt.title('Multiple Lines')
plt.legend() # Show labels in a legend
plt.show()
6. Other Plot Types:
- Matplotlib offers various plot types beyond line plots:
Scatter plots: plt.scatter(x, y)
Bar charts: plt.bar(x, y) or plt.barh(x, y) (horizontal)
Histograms: plt.hist(data)
Pie charts: plt.pie(data)
7. Saving Plots:
- Save your plot as an image file for later use:
Python
plt.savefig('my_plot.png')
Matplotlib Library official document read: Click here
Related Topic:
FAQ
How to install Matplotlib library?
pip install matplotlib
Why is subplot important?
heighten the tension and intensify the conflict in a story.
Is matplotlib widely used?
Matplotlib is a commonly used Python library