The Howdy Glossary

Grap is a text processing language and mathematical formatting tool used to produce technical documents, employing graphical operators to generate diagrams that simplify the complex typesetting of technical content. Integrated as part of Unix's groff package, Grap works with preprocessors like tbl for tables and eqn for equations. Unlike general-purpose graphing languages such as Dot and GNU pic, Grap specializes in creating functional block diagrams specifically tailored for technical documentation.

The creation of Grap was spearheaded by Brian Kernighan and Jon Bentley, notable figures in computer science known for their significant contributions. Brian Kernighan has been instrumental in the development of Unix and the C programming language, while Jon Bentley is famed for his algorithm design expertise. Their collaboration on Grap aimed to provide a powerful tool for visually expressing relationships between elements in technical documents through concise notation.

Grap stands out due to its focus on functional block diagrams, streamlining the typesetting process by integrating graphical elements seamlessly within Unix's document creation environment. Competing against tools like Dot—which excels in general-purpose graph visualization—and GNU pic—known for low-level graphics capabilities—Grap's specialized approach caters specifically to technical writers needing precise visual representation of relationships in complex content. Its advantages include compatibility with preprocessors and its compact notation system, making it an invaluable resource for professionals aiming to enhance clarity and usability in their technical documentation.