PostScript/Simple version 0.02
==============================

PostScript::Simple allows you to have a simple method of writing PostScript
files from Perl. It has several graphics primitives that allow lines, circles,
polygons and boxes to be drawn. Text can be added to the page using standard
PostScript fonts.

Features include:

    Generation of multi-page PostScript files
    Generation of single-page EPS files
    Creating lines/circles etc.
    Rectangles and boxes
    Text
    Colour
    Pre-defined paper sizes
    Etc. etc.

A module that provides compatibility with the GD module calls might also one day
be written, so that programs may be easily be converted to produce PostScript.
Don't hold your breath.

The file example.pl provides some examples of what this module does.


INSTALLATION

To install this module type the following:

   perl Makefile.PL
   make
   make test
   make install


COPYRIGHT AND LICENCE

Copyright (C) 2002 Matthew C. Newton / Newton Computing

This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under
the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software
Foundation, version 2.

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY
WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details,
available at http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html.


To-Do / Done lists:

Done:

  landscape seems to work ok
  xsize and ysize set fine
  colour option works. need to alter colour->grey calculation (i know how to)
  clipping works
  eps option works (but output needs slight modification save/restore etc)
  page option works. setpage allows page number/name to be changed
  bb[xy][12] options are in and set
  lines, circles and boxes work. functions only added when needed.
  setcolour function works. colour look-up table added.
  postscript DSC headers seem to be fine (for PS and EPS)
  colour->grey calculation (tested: this is actually ok)
  is this cool or wot?
  different line widths
  polygon function
  text and font functions

To-Do:

  define shape functions
  translate / scale / rotate functions?
  gd wrapper module

  triangle function(s)
  add dd cc and sp to units
  different line styles (dashes)?
  better error reporting (postscript comments still?)
  code compression using single letter dictionary defs (optional?)
  my-printer-can-play-jingle-bells-now function?
  paper sizes defined and used (DSC comment added)
  postscript font support?
  ttf font support (get lost!)
  any postscript optimisation that can be done?
  (compare gd module for functions that we could do with)
  pie slices / arcs
  how about "write this out as a PDF file" option?
  write out as xfig file option?
  write out as LaTeX picture (XYPic?) file option?
  release as version 0.03 (or similar)