Playing with Plot Dictionary

What is a Plot Dictionary?

A plot dictionary is a kind of text file (.plots) which contains a name of a plot along with its equation. The basic idea of dictionary files is to add plots in Khipu without actually typing big equations. User can add the plots based on its name using the dictionaries. We already have some predefined dictionaries which let a user enter some famous plots (i.e. curves and surfaces). User can even download the dictionaries using Internet.

Syntax

A syntax of a dictionary file follows Analitza syntax. Every line in a file will contain a name and the corresponding equation.

For example: A typical dictionary file would have lines as follows:

  • sinus := x->sin x

  • plane1 := (x, y, z)->(x+y+z)-1

Adding your own dictionary file

The flexible Analitza syntax would allow the user to create his/her own dictionary file! User needs to save a text file with .plots extension with correct plot name and equations in each line.

Khipu - Plot-Dictionary in main-toolbar

Khipu - Plot-Dictionary in main-toolbar

Let's have a look at the plots of the Dictionary files

Khipu - Plot-Dictionary UI

Khipu - Plot-Dictionary UI

If you want to see how Khipu uses dictionary, just hit Plot Dictionary tab shown on the main toolbar of Khipu. Then switch to different names in the drop down box tagged by collection. Click on any of the plot's name and you will see a corresponding plot on the right side of the window.

Khipu - Plot-Dictionary UI

Khipu - Plot-Dictionary UI

Adding plots from the Dictionary

Khipu - Add plots from dictionary

Khipu - Add plots from dictionary

The main advantage of the dictionaries is to add the plots without typing big equations. For that, add any space in Khipu. Then switch to the Add from Dictionary tab. You can add the dictionary file there according to your wish. You just need to double click on the name of the plot to add it in the current Khipu Space.

Khipu - Import/Download dictionary

Khipu - Import/Download dictionary

Import Dictionary File from a local disk

It is not that you can only add/see the plot from the predefined dictionaries available by Analitza. You can even import any downloaded/manually created dictionary in Khipu and can add the plots from it in Khipu Space!

Download Dictionary File from the Internet

The use of Get Hot New Stuff API in Khipu will allow the user to download these dictionary files from the web. In this way, a user can have a rich collection of dictionaries downloaded across the globe. You can achieve this by simply clicking on the Get Plot Dictionary Files from the Dictionary UI.

Export a space as a Dictionary

Khipu - Export a space as dictionary

Khipu - Export a space as dictionary

User can even export a whole space into the dictionary with the names and equations of the plots saved in that particular space. For this, you have to click on go Home and then click on the tool button on the space thumbnail which tells you about exporting the space in dictionary.