ngspice/xgraph/README.GENERAL

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This directory contains source for the X11 version of xgraph, a
two-dimensional data plotting program. Those familar with the X10
version of this program will find that is completely compatible.
However, there are a few important notes and changes you should
be aware of:
1. The program was developed and tested on X11 release 3 on a
color VAXstation GPX and on a color DECstation 3100. It should
work on most other servers without change but has not been tested
on these other configurations. If you have problems, please send
a note to:
davidh@ic.Berkeley.EDU
or
...!ucbvax!ucbcad!davidh
2. This version includes an improved hardcopy facility.
An additional option, "Include in Document", has been added since
the first X11 release. A new output type, Idraw, has also been
added. See the manual page for details about the hardcopy dialog.
3. There are several changes to the input format for xgraph. However,
the new format is compatible with the old and there should be no
problem running xgraph with old data sets. The new form allows
discontinuous data in data sets (using the "move" operator),
parameter specification using a format similar to that found in the
~/.Xdefaults file, and comments. See the manual page for details.
4. In some cases, xgraph uses dashed lines to distinguish different
data sets. Some servers are notoriously slow at rendering dashed
lines. Be prepared for a significantly reduced performance on
those servers.
5. Xgraph now uses software clipping to clip data to its display
windows. This means you should be able to zoom in much farther
on large data sets than was possible under the X10 version.
6. Xgraph used to use some rather sophisticated heuristics to handle
visuals and colormaps. Due to complaints, I have removed these
heuristics. Xgraph will display on whatever screen is specified in
the DISPLAY environment variable or on the command line.
7. I plan to add full ICCCM support when X11 release 4 becomes
available. In the meantime, the program should work under most
window mangers (it is somewhat conformant already).
8. As a follow-on to (7), note that the operation of the program
is heavily influenced by your choice of window managers. Focus
based window managers (like dxwm from Digital) will require you
to set focus in the text input slots of the hardcopy dialog box.
9. Many people have sent me notes about the state of code of xgraph.
Xgraph was constructed initially as a challenge from another
programmer here at Berkeley. The first version of the program was
written in an afternoon. Since then, the program has "evolved"
quite dramatically. Since this is not my primary work, I generally
tacked on features quickly as the need became apparent. Some day,
I would truely like to rewrite it. Until then, please bear with
me.
10. Since xgraph has become quite popular, those in positions of power
have recommended I add the standard UC Berkeley copyright notice
to this software. See copyright.h for details.
11. Many people have sent me suggestions and comments. Some have
written new code or sent patches to fix problems. I greately
appreciate these contributions. Special thanks go to Beorn Johnson
and Alan Kramer for the idraw output code.
David Harrison
UC Berkeley Electronics Research Lab
(davidh@ic.Berkeley.EDU, ...!ucbvax!ucbcad!davidh)