When you look at modern scientific journals you will find that in the majority of papers (some of) the results are presented in graphical form, from a simple black-and-white X-Y plot to sophisticated multicolor 3D-plots.

The data that are graphed come from various origins, like filled-out surveys, output of detectors, or mathematical programs. If the data are gathererd or produced by a commercial computer program, the developers of that program will try to supply graphing capabilities within the program. Keeping users tied to a program is of high commercial value. So Microsoft’s programs Word and Excel supply plotting facilities, although the capability is so rudimentary that it does not deserve the name.

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