Plot functions in Python

I am required to use Python for engineering project. Need to create many graphs, including开发者_运维技巧 surface plots. In the past I used Matlab for plotting and really liked it. I was wandering if there is a module/package/extension which bring similar capability into Python.

To be more specific, I need piloting for 2 different reasons.

1. To understand how functions behave. Something quick and dirty would do it.

2. Publication/presentation. Ability to add labels, legend, grid, customise colour, axis properties etc.

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Try matplotlib, it's pretty extensive and has a shell similar to MATLAB / Mathematica.

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I suspect matplotlib.pyplot would be right up your alley.