# DISLIN

> software

**Wikidata**: [Q1228955](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1228955)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DISLIN)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dislin

## Summary
DISLIN is a software library designed for displaying scientific data and creating 3D computer graphics. It functions as a non-tangible executable component capable of running on a wide range of operating systems, including Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and OpenVMS.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** DISLIN is software specifically used for **science** and **3D computer graphics**.
*   **Operating Systems:** It runs on **Linux**, **Microsoft Windows**, **macOS**, and **OpenVMS**.
*   **Programming Languages:** The software supports development in **FORTRAN 77** and **Fortran 90**.
*   **Official Website:** The primary resource for the software is located at `http://www.dislin.de/`.
*   **Documentation:** A user manual is publicly accessible at `http://www.mps.mpg.de/dislin/online-manual`.
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity has Wikipedia entries in English and German.

## FAQs
### Q: What are the primary uses of DISLIN?
A: DISLIN is utilized primarily for scientific applications and the generation of 3D computer graphics. It serves as a tool for visualizing data within a scientific context.

### Q: Which operating systems are compatible with DISLIN?
A: DISLIN is cross-platform compatible. It officially runs on Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, and OpenVMS.

### Q: Where can I find the user manual for DISLIN?
A: The official user manual for DISLIN is available online at `http://www.mps.mpg.de/dislin/online-manual`.

## Why It Matters
DISLIN serves as a specialized bridge between complex scientific data and visual representation. In the fields of scientific computing and data analysis, the ability to render three-dimensional geometric data is critical for interpreting results and modeling phenomena. DISLIN addresses this need by providing a software layer that functions across vastly different computing environments—from modern systems like Windows and macOS to legacy or specialized environments like OpenVMS and various Linux distributions.

The software's support for older scientific programming standards like Fortran 77, alongside Fortran 90, indicates its specific relevance to the scientific community, where these languages remain foundational. By allowing scientists to visualize data without being tied to a single operating system, DISLIN ensures that research code remains portable and sustainable.

## Notable For
*   **Cross-Platform Legacy Support:** Unlike many modern graphics libraries, DISLIN explicitly supports **OpenVMS**, an operating system dating back to 1977, alongside modern systems.
*   **Scientific Specialization:** It is explicitly categorized for use in **science**, distinguishing it from general-purpose graphics software.
*   **Language Support:** It maintains support for **FORTRAN 77**, catering to long-standing scientific codebases.

## Body
### Technical Classification
DISLIN is classified as **software**, defined as a non-tangible executable component of a computer. It falls under the specific domain of **3D computer graphics**, utilizing three-dimensional representations of geometric data. Its primary application context is **science**.

### System Requirements and Compatibility
DISLIN is designed for broad interoperability across distinct operating system architectures.
*   **Supported Platforms:** The software has confirmed distributions for **Linux**, **Microsoft Windows**, **macOS**, and **OpenVMS**.
*   **OpenVMS Support:** The inclusion of OpenVMS (originally released in 1977) highlights the software's utility in long-term, stable scientific research environments.

### Development and Resources
*   **Programming Languages:** DISLIN integrates with development workflows using **FORTRAN 77** and **Fortran 90**.
*   **Web Resources:** The project is maintained at `http://www.dislin.de/`. Detailed technical instructions and the **online manual** are hosted by the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science at `http://www.mps.mpg.de/dislin/online-manual`.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "DISLIN",
  "description": "Software used for science and 3D computer graphics.",
  "url": "http://www.dislin.de/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DISLIN"
  ],
  "applicationCategory": "Scientific Software",
  "operatingSystem": ["Linux", "Microsoft Windows", "macOS", "OpenVMS"],
  "programmingLanguage": ["FORTRAN 77", "Fortran 90"]
}

## References

1. [Source](http://www.mps.mpg.de/dislin/faq-general#q_4)
2. [Source](http://www.mps.mpg.de/dislin/distributions)