Asymptote 1.76

Asymptote 1.76 is a simple and effective descriptive vector graphics language that provides a natural coordinate-based framework for technical drawing. Labels and equations are typeset with LaTeX, for high-quality PostScript output.

A major advantage of Asymptote over other graphics packages is that it is a programming language, as opposed to just a graphics program.

Major Features:

1. Provides a portable standard for typesetting mathematical figures, just as TeX/LaTeX has become the standard for typesetting equations.
2. Inspired by MetaPost, with a much cleaner, powerful C++-like programming syntax and floating-point numerics;
3. Runs on all major platforms (UNIX, MacOS, Microsoft Windows);
4. Mathematically oriented (e.g. rotation of vectors by complex multiplication);
5. LaTeX typesetting of labels (for document consistency);
6. Uses simplex method and deferred drawing to solve overall size constraint issues between fixed-sized objects (labels and arrowheads) and objects that should scale with figure size;
7. Fully generalizes MetaPost path construction algorithms to three dimensions;
8. Compiles commands into virtual machine code for speed without sacrificing portability;
9. High-level graphics commands are implemented in the Asymptote language itself, allowing them to be easily tailored to specific applications.