# MetaPost

> programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q1265836](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1265836)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MetaPost)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/metapost

## Summary
MetaPost is a programming language designed for creating high-quality vector graphics, particularly suited for technical and scientific illustrations. It was first released in 1994 and is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License, allowing its use in both free and proprietary software. The language is strongly and dynamically typed, following an imperative and declarative programming paradigm.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: MetaPost was first released in 1994.
- **License**: It is distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License, enabling its use in proprietary software.
- **Typing Discipline**: MetaPost employs strong typing, dynamic typing, and duck typing.
- **Programming Paradigm**: It supports both imperative and declarative programming.
- **Related Language**: Asymptote, another vector graphics language, was influenced by MetaPost.
- **Manual**: The official user manual is available at [https://tug.org/docs/metapost/mpman.pdf](https://tug.org/docs/metapost/mpman.pdf).
- **Wikipedia Availability**: MetaPost articles exist in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish.
- **CTAN Package**: The language is available as a package on the Comprehensive TeX Archive Network (CTAN) under the ID "metapost."
- **Logo**: The official logo is an SVG file hosted on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
- **What is MetaPost used for?** MetaPost is primarily used for creating high-quality vector graphics, particularly for technical and scientific illustrations. Its declarative syntax makes it well-suited for precise diagram generation.
- **Is MetaPost free to use?** Yes, MetaPost is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License, which permits its use in both free and proprietary software.
- **What programming paradigms does MetaPost support?** MetaPost follows an imperative and declarative programming paradigm, allowing for both procedural and descriptive approaches to graphics generation.
- **How is MetaPost different from Asymptote?** While both languages are used for vector graphics, Asymptote was influenced by MetaPost but is a more modern language with additional features and a different syntax.
- **Where can I find the official documentation for MetaPost?** The official user manual is available at [https://tug.org/docs/metapost/mpman.pdf](https://tug.org/docs/metapost/mpman.pdf).

## Why It Matters
MetaPost plays a crucial role in the typesetting and graphics community, particularly within the TeX ecosystem. Its ability to generate precise, scalable vector graphics makes it indispensable for academic and technical publishing. The language's declarative nature simplifies the creation of complex diagrams, reducing the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, its compatibility with the GNU Lesser General Public License ensures widespread adoption across different software environments. MetaPost's influence extends to other vector graphics languages, shaping the development of tools that require high-quality, programmatically generated illustrations.

## Notable For
- **Precise Graphics Generation**: MetaPost is renowned for its ability to produce highly accurate vector graphics, making it a preferred choice for technical and scientific documentation.
- **TeX Integration**: As part of the TeX ecosystem, MetaPost seamlessly integrates with LaTeX, enhancing the typesetting capabilities of documents.
- **Declarative Syntax**: Its declarative programming approach allows users to define graphics in a high-level, readable manner, streamlining the creation of complex illustrations.
- **Cross-Licensing Compatibility**: The GNU Lesser General Public License ensures MetaPost can be used in both free and proprietary software, expanding its applicability.

## Body
### Overview
MetaPost is a programming language designed for creating high-quality vector graphics, particularly suited for technical and scientific illustrations. It was first released in 1994 and is licensed under the GNU Lesser General Public License, enabling its use in both free and proprietary software. The language is strongly and dynamically typed, following an imperative and declarative programming paradigm.

### History
MetaPost was first released in 1994, becoming an integral part of the TeX typesetting system. Its development was influenced by the need for a language that could generate precise, scalable vector graphics. Over the years, it has evolved alongside other tools in the TeX ecosystem, maintaining its relevance in academic and technical publishing.

### Typing and Paradigm
MetaPost employs strong typing, dynamic typing, and duck typing, ensuring robust code execution. It supports both imperative and declarative programming, allowing users to choose the approach that best fits their workflow. This flexibility makes it adaptable to various graphic generation tasks.

### Related Languages
Asymptote, another vector graphics language, was influenced by MetaPost. While Asymptote offers additional features and a different syntax, both languages share a common goal of facilitating high-quality graphic creation.

### Documentation and Resources
The official user manual for MetaPost is available at [https://tug.org/docs/metapost/mpman.pdf](https://tug.org/docs/metapost/mpman.pdf). The language is also available as a package on the Comprehensive TeX Archive Network (CTAN) under the ID "metapost," ensuring easy access for users.

### Wikipedia and Community
MetaPost articles exist in multiple languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish, reflecting its widespread use and recognition. The language's community-driven development and documentation contribute to its continued relevance in the typesetting and graphics community.

### Logo and Branding
The official logo for MetaPost is an SVG file hosted on Wikimedia Commons, representing its visual identity within the TeX ecosystem. This logo is widely recognized and used in documentation and promotional materials.

### Copyright and Licensing
MetaPost is copyrighted and distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License, which permits its use in both free and proprietary software. This licensing model has facilitated its adoption across various software environments, ensuring its availability to a broad audience.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013