Re: [boost] [SoC] SVG-graph-plotting questions

From: John Maddock (john_at_[hidden])
Date: 2007-03-16 06:26:06

Paul A Bristow wrote:
>>  Should it be a single function
>> that takes loads of parameters (like color, range, size, ...).
>> Should it
>> be a class where the user would set these parameters as attributes?
>
> Well I think an interesting part of the project is to explore which
> of these, or some combination, is most convenient.
>
> Boosters will undoubtedly have some (many?) opinions on this ;-))

I think design is crucial here: we would want something extensible I guess. 
So how about a "mini DOM" for vector graphics:

class vector_drawing;  // does this need template params??

with vector_drawing supporting simple drawn lines, text output etc.

And then:

class graph : public vector_drawing{ ... };

To extend the interface to include drawings made from data-points or 
functors?  Wait, we could just use a factory function that returns a 
vector_drawing instead of inheritance maybe?

All very traditional OO so far...

Then what about saving the result: it could be as SVG, or maybe some other 
format (rendered as png or whatever?), so perhaps non-member writer 
functions would be best, along with accessor const-member functions in the 
vector_drawing type to allow the DOM to be enumerated?  Presumable it would 
be possible to read in SVG as well, although maybe that would be a step too 
far for this project?

More questions than answers here maybe, but something for you to think 
about.

HTH, John.