[Tex/LaTex] Which are the advantages of TikZ over GeoGebra

diagramstikz-pgf

Now I have been using GeoGebra for a considerable amount of time and therefore I am rather experienced using it. Creating graphs, plots and geometric figures can be done in a matter of minutes. Often less. And most of the time goes to outputting the "perfect" look.

Now trying to make the same images in for example TikZ takes literally forever. I have just barely started using TikZ and my opinions should therefore be questioned. Although it seems for creating simple images, a variety of nitpicking loops and whatnot is needed.

Below I have tried to make a simple pro and con lists for both. And a few examples of images I created in GeoGebra, and loosely timed myself doing so.

GeoGebra pros

  • Interactive, one could change the image in seconds.
  • Animations
  • "Simple to use"
  • Loops are possible using lists.
  • Supports TeX graphics
  • Gentle learning curve
  • Many output formats such as TikZ, PNG, EPS, Asymptote and so on
  • Input can be both interactive, and through command

GeoGebra cons

  • Hard to create 3D images
  • Can be a tad slow
  • Input in LaTeX sometimes does not look as good as TikZ
  • External program

So, could anyone list the pros of TikZ? Right now for me it takes too long to create something that looks better than GeoGebra output.

Best Answer

This answer will be largely subjective, as with any opinion-based question :)

It seems a little strange to compare GeoGebra to TikZ.

  • GeoGebra is at its most powerful when it is being used as an interactive learning tool. As you may know, creating sliders and such can be an extremely useful way to motivate students and to get a concept across quickly. It certainly can be used as a tool to create graphics within a document, but I would question if it should be used.
  • As with any tool that exports to an another format, the export to TikZ is never going to be perfect, and you will likely have to tweak the resultant code.

TikZ allows you to create styles, make global changes to your document, and was designed specifically for latex. There is certainly a learning curve (I'm quite near the beginning of it), but it is almost always good to learn new things :)