Metafun Manual.pdf

METAPOST is a graphic programming language, while TEX is a typographic programming language. This document focuses on interfacing between the two languages using CONTEXT, a macro package written in TEX with integrated support for METAPOST.

METAPOST History and Features

METAPOST was created by John Hobby, building on the foundation of METAFONT, a graphical language developed by Donald Knuth. METAPOST produces POSTSCRIPT code and is designed for drawing graphics in scientific publications. It has features not present in METAFONT, such as support for arbitrary precision decimal or binary calculations.

METAPOST Applications and Examples

This manual demonstrates how to embed graphics in TEX documents using METAPOST and introduces its features. Examples include drawing pictures, using variables, conditions, loops, and macros. The manual also covers advanced topics like clipping, cutting, and pasting, as well as using colors, dashes, and text.

CONTEXT and METAFUN

CONTEXT is a macro package that integrates TEX and METAPOST. METAFUN is a library that bundles METAPOST macros and is used in CONTEXT. The manual is typeset using CONTEXT MKIV and LUATEX, with examples demonstrating the use of METAPOST in TEX documents.

Key Concepts and Topics

Paths, transformations, and constructing paths
Angles, drawing pictures, and variables
Conditions, loops, macros, and arguments
Pens, joining lines, colors, dashes, and text
Linear equations, clipping, and cutting and pasting
Embedded graphics, overlays, and stacking overlays
* Positional graphics, page backgrounds, and enhancing the layout

Acknowledgments and Credits

The manual is dedicated to Hans Hagen's parents, Jannie and Hein, and acknowledges the contributions of John Hobby, Donald Knuth, and Hàn Thế Thành, among others. The manual is published by Boekplan, NL, and is available online at www.pragma-ade.com.