Matplotlib - Plot line

In this tutorial, we'll create a simple line plot using Matplotlib in Python.

1. Import Matplotlib

Import the Matplotlib library, specifically the pyplot module.

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

2. Create Data

Define the data points for the X and Y axes.

x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
y = [20, 30, 50, 70, 60]

In this case, x represents the values on the X-axis, and y represents the corresponding values on the Y-axis.

3. Plot Line

Use Matplotlib plot() function to plot the line.

plt.plot(x, y)

4. Customize Plot

Customize the plot with labels and titles.

plt.title('Line Plot Example')
plt.xlabel('X-axis Label')
plt.ylabel('Y-axis Label')

The title(), xlabel(), and ylabel() functions set the title, X-axis label, and Y-axis label, respectively.

5. Show the Plot

Display the plot.

plt.show()

The show() function is essential for rendering the plot and making it visible.

Complete program to plot line using Matplotlib

Using all the above steps, let us write the complete program to draw a line using Matplotlib plot() function.

Python Program

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Example data
x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
y = [20, 30, 50, 70, 60]

# Plot line
plt.plot(x, y)

# Customize plot
plt.title('Line Plot Example')
plt.xlabel('X-axis Label')
plt.ylabel('Y-axis Label')

# Show the plot
plt.show()

Output

You can also specify a marker to the points using marker parameter to the plot() function. For example, marker='o' displays circle markers at given points.

Python Program

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Example data
x = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
y = [20, 30, 50, 70, 60]

# Plot line
plt.plot(x, y, marker='o')

# Customize plot
plt.title('Line Plot Example')
plt.xlabel('X-axis Label')
plt.ylabel('Y-axis Label')

# Show the plot
plt.show()

Output

For complete list of markers, please refer Matplotlib Marker Reference.

Summary

That concludes our tutorial on creating a line plot using Matplotlib in Python!