The line graph is very useful for visualizing continuously changing data. It helps you to compare how several things change over the years relative to each other. Hence, you can easily uncover key insights from the dataset and make important decisions. To create a line graph, you will need the best Python charting library, like Matplotlib. Also, you need a user-friendly visualization tool. There are plenty of data visualization tools for Python. But which is truly the best option? In this tutorial, you will know how to plot a line graph in Python with the best data visualization tool on the market. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What is the best data visualization tool to create a graph in Python?
The best data visualization tool for plotting a line graph in Python is PyScripter. It is fast, powerful, and feature-rich. Also, PyScripter is very user-friendly. It allows you to easily install the required visualization libraries. Hence, you can use PyScripter to effortlessly create line charts.
How can I create a line chart or graph in Python with PyScripter?
You can plot a line graph in Python by using Matplotlib. It is one of the best Python data visualization libraries available online. PyScripter allows you to easily install it. Here are the steps:
How to install Matplotlib using PyScripter?
1. Go to Tools > Tools > Install packages with pip.
2. Then enter matplotlib and click OK.
3. Next, matplotlib and other required libraries, including Numpy, will begin to install. The whole process takes just a few minutes. Once the installation is done, you can start using PyScripter to plot a line graph in Python.
How can I create a simple line plot or graph in Python?
1. First, you have to import matplotlib and numpy libraries.
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np |
2. Then you have to add this code:
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x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) print(x) y = 2*x + 1 |
3. Finally, you can plot and display the line graph by using these lines:
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plt.plot(x, y) plt.show() |
Overall, the code will look like this:
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) print(x) y = 2*x + 1 plt.plot(x, y) plt.show() |
4. Now, click on the green button to run the code. You will get this output:
How do I plot a line graph in Python with labels?
Labels are integral to any chart. They show the relationship between the axes and the data plots. The chart has an x label, y label, and title.
To plot a line graph in Python with labels, you have to follow these steps:
1. First, import matplotlib and numpy libraries.
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np |
2. Then you have to insert this code:
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x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) y1 = 2*x + 1 y2 = 2**x + 1 |
3. Next, you can plot and display the line graph by using these lines:
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plt.figure() plt.plot(x, y1) |
4. Then you have to specify the label of the x-axis and y-axis. Also, you have to specify the title of the line chart.
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plt.xlabel("I am x") plt.ylabel("I am y") plt.title("With Labels") |
5. Finally, you can display the line graph.
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plt.show() |
Overall, the code will look like this:
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) y1 = 2*x + 1 y2 = 2**x + 1 plt.figure() plt.plot(x, y1) plt.xlabel("I am x") plt.ylabel("I am y") plt.title("With Labels") plt.show() |
Once you run the code, you will get this output:
As you can see, the line graph has labels on both the x-axis and y-axis. Also, it has a title.
How can I create a curved line graph in Python?
You can use the plot() method to create different types of line charts. For example, you can utilize it to make a curved line. Here are the steps:
1. First, you have to import matplotlib and numpy libraries.
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np |
2. Then you have to add this code:
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x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) y = 2**x + 1 |
3. Finally, you can plot and display the line graph by using these lines:
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plt.plot(x, y) plt.show() |
Overall, the code will look like this:
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) y = 2**x + 1 plt.plot(x, y) plt.show() |
Now, run the code. You will see this output:
How can I create multiple lines on a graph in Python?
With Python, you can easily plot more than one line. You just need to call additional plot(x,y) functions. Simply follow these steps:
1. First, import matplotlib and numpy libraries.
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np |
2. Then insert these lines:
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x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) y1 = 2*x + 1 y2 = 2**x + 1 |
3. Finally, you can plot and display multiple lines by using this code:
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plt.figure(num = 3, figsize=(8, 5)) plt.plot(x, y2) plt.plot(x, y1, color='red', linewidth=1.0, linestyle='--' ) plt.show() |
Overall, the code will look like this:
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) y1 = 2*x + 1 y2 = 2**x + 1 plt.figure(num = 3, figsize=(8, 5)) plt.plot(x, y2) plt.plot(x, y1, color='red', linewidth=1.0, linestyle='--' ) plt.show() |
The output will look like this:
How can I create a dotted line graph in Python?
With Python, you can create lines in the form of dots. To do it, you have to utilize the scatter(x,y) method. Here are the steps:
1. First, you have to import matplotlib and numpy libraries.
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np |
2. Then you need to insert this code:
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n = 1024 X = np.random.normal(0, 1, n) Y = np.random.normal(0, 1, n) T = np.arctan2(X, Y) |
3. Next, you have to call plt.scatter() method.
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plt.scatter(np.arange(5), np.arange(5)) |
4. Finally, you can display the dotted line with this code:
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plt.xticks(()) plt.yticks(()) plt.show() |
Overall, the code will look like this:
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np n = 1024 X = np.random.normal(0, 1, n) Y = np.random.normal(0, 1, n) T = np.arctan2(X, Y) plt.scatter(np.arange(5), np.arange(5)) plt.xticks(()) plt.yticks(()) plt.show() |
You will get this output:
How can I create line ticks for my graph in Python?
With Python, you can easily change the ticks on the plot. You can set them on any axis. Also, you can change their color. Simply follow these steps:
1. First, import matplotlib and numpy libraries.
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np |
2. Then you need to add these lines:
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x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) y = 2*x - 1 plt.figure(figsize=(12, 8)) plt.plot(x, y, color='r', linewidth=10.0, alpha=0.5) ax = plt.gca() |
3. Next, you have to set the positions of spines and ticks. Also, you can set your preferred color.
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ax.spines['right'].set_color('blue') ax.spines['top'].set_color('red') ax.xaxis.set_ticks_position('bottom') ax.yaxis.set_ticks_position('left') ax.spines['bottom'].set_position(('data', 0)) ax.spines['left'].set_position(('data', 0)) |
4. Finally, you can show the line plot with ticks by using this code:
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for label in ax.get_xticklabels() + ax.get_yticklabels(): label.set_fontsize(12) label.set_bbox(dict(facecolor='y', edgecolor='none', alpha=0.7)) plt.show() |
Overall, the code will look like this:
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import matplotlib.pyplot as plt import numpy as np x = np.linspace(-1, 1, 50) y = 2*x - 1 plt.figure(figsize=(12, 8)) plt.plot(x, y, color='r', linewidth=10.0, alpha=0.5) ax = plt.gca() ax.spines['right'].set_color('blue') ax.spines['top'].set_color('red') ax.xaxis.set_ticks_position('bottom') ax.yaxis.set_ticks_position('left') ax.spines['bottom'].set_position(('data', 0)) ax.spines['left'].set_position(('data', 0)) for label in ax.get_xticklabels() + ax.get_yticklabels(): label.set_fontsize(12) label.set_bbox(dict(facecolor='y', edgecolor='none', alpha=0.7)) plt.show() |
You will see this output:
As you can see, the line style looks different from the previous examples. Because you have specified your preferred line color.
Read: 6 Best Python GUI Frameworks
Should I use PyScripter in 2022?
PyScripter is a fast and powerful IDE. It offers several amazing features, including the syntax highlighting editor, integrated Python interpreter, and remote Python debugger. Also, PyScripter is very easy to use. It allows you to quickly install required libraries. Hence, you can effortlessly plot a line graph in Python with PyScripter. Besides, the IDE enables you to externally run Python scripts. It is highly configurable. Therefore, you should definitely consider using PyScripter in 2022 and beyond.
PyScripter is an open-source and feature-rich lightweight Python IDE. It offers several amazing features, including the remote Python debugger and integrated unit testing. Download PyScripter now for free.
FAQ about creating a graph in Python
How do I plot a line in Matplotlib?
You have to use the generic plot() function from the PyPlot instance to plot a line plot in Matplotlib. You can plot as many lines as you want. Simply add the points for the x-axis and y-axis for each line in the same plt. plot() function.
Can I plot a graph in Python?
Yes, you can plot graphs in Python. You have to use a data visualization library, such as Matplotlib, Seaborn, Bokeh, etc. Also, you need to utilize the best data visualization tool, like PyScripter.
Which method is used to generate a line chart or graph in Python?
To create a line chart in Python, you have to use the plot(x,y) method.
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