.BG
.VE $Header: /usr3/s/current/s/.help/RCS/printer,v 1.2 83/12/30 19:32:46 rab Exp $
.FN printer
.TL
printer: Line Printer Graphics
.CS
printer
printer(width, length)
.PP
.AG width
number of characters for width of printer plots.
Default is value of `width' as set in `options' function (initially 80).
Maximum width is 133.
.AG length
desired number of lines for length of plot.
Default is value of `length' as set in `options' function (initially 56).
Maximum length is 100.
.PP
The `printer' device is applicable to any typewriter-like terminal.
The quality is not equal to that of true graphics devices, but may be
sufficient for exploratory data analysis.
.PP
The size of the printer plot is determined by the terminal width and
length in effect at the time the function `printer' is invoked.
.PP
Each plot is stored in an internal buffer.  This enables commands to
be given to add to the existing plot.  When the next plot is started,
the previous plot is printed.  The function `show' can be used to
print the current plot.  After using `show', the plot can be further
augmented.  `printer' and `show' can also be used to preview plots
that are to be produced by the deferred graphics facility `defer'.
Use `show' to view the picture, then decide if it should be saved.
.PP
Character size and orientation cannot change.  Different line types
are available, but the resolution of the printer is generally too
coarse to make much distinction.
.PP
Any graphic input (`identify', `rdpen') done on the printer will
prompt for x and y coordinates.  Type in the desired coordinates, or
hit carriage return to terminate the graphic input.
.PP
A device must be specified before any graphics functions can be used.
.EX
options(width=120) # for terminal with long line
printer; plot(x,y)
title("a title to be added to the plot")
show # we want to see the plot now
.KW device*
.KW printer plot
.WR
