Python - Matplotlib

Overview

Estimated time: 25–35 minutes

Matplotlib is a comprehensive plotting library. Learn the object model (figure/axes), common plot types, and saving figures.

Learning Objectives

• Create figures and axes; plot lines, bars, and scatter.
• Style plots (labels, legends, titles) and save to files.

Examples

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

x = [1,2,3,4]
y = [10, 12, 8, 15]
fig, ax = plt.subplots()
ax.plot(x, y, marker='o', label='series')
ax.set_title('Example')
ax.set_xlabel('x')
ax.set_ylabel('y')
ax.legend()
fig.savefig('plot.png', dpi=150)

Guidance & Patterns

• Use the OO API (fig, ax = plt.subplots()) for clarity and composition.
• Prefer consistent styling and labeling; keep fonts legible.

Best Practices

• Export vector formats (SVG/PDF) for print; PNG for web.
• Use tight_layout/constrained_layout to manage spacing.

Exercises

1. Create a subplot grid with two different chart types sharing an x-axis.
2. Style a chart for publication quality and save as SVG.