The Howdy Glossary

HP-GL (Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language) was developed by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1970s to facilitate vector graphics communication between computers and pen plotters. This command language simplified the creation of technical drawings by controlling pen movement, lines, shapes, and text labels without requiring users to understand the complexities of plotter internals. Initially designed for HP's own line of pen plotters, HP-GL became a standard for similar devices from other manufacturers due to its user-friendly and straightforward approach.

The key features that distinguished HP-GL include its text-based nature, which provided an accessible interface for sending vector graphics commands to pen plotters. Commands within HP-GL controlled various graphic elements such as line drawing, shape creation, surface setup, and text labeling. This simplicity enabled users with diverse levels of technical expertise to generate precise technical drawings efficiently. The widespread adoption of HP-GL as a standard underscores its effectiveness in historical CAD/CAM applications and demonstrates its lasting impact on graphic communication technologies.

Despite its initial success, HP-GL faced competition from other technologies like Adobe Systems' PostScript and Portable Document Format (PDF). PostScript offered advanced capabilities beyond vector graphics including comprehensive handling of text and raster images. PDF further extended functionalities by supporting both vector graphics and raster images in one versatile format suitable for sharing and printing documents. While competitors superseded HP-GL over time due to advancements in technology demanding more extensive solutions for graphic communication, HP-GL's focus on efficient transmission of vector graphics commands maintained a strong position within specific niches like pen plotting before broader technologies took precedence.