PostScript

PostScript is a page description language (PDL) originally developed by Adobe Systems. It is widely used in the electronic and desktop publishing fields to define the layout and graphical content of printed pages. Application programs can generate PostScript code, which can be sent to compatible output devices like laser printers. This code instructs the printer on exactly how to render text and graphics.

Key Features of PostScript

Device Independence: PostScript code is independent of the specific characteristics of the output device, making it versatile across different printers and display devices.
Scalability: Because it describes objects in terms of mathematical expressions, PostScript can scale images and text up or down without loss of quality.
Extensibility: Users can create custom procedures and incorporate them into the PostScript code, adding extraordinary flexibility.

Examples

Print Command for Text:

1% Print "Hello, World!" at position (100, 500)
2100 500 moveto
3/Times-Roman findfont 12 scalefont setfont
4(Hello, World!) show
5showpage

Drawing a Simple Line:

1% Draw a line from (100, 100) to (200, 200)
2newpath
3100 100 moveto
4200 200 lineto
5stroke
6showpage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PostScript primarily used for?

PostScript is primarily used for printing documents, graphics, and images from reasonably sophisticated application software onto compatible printers. It is also used extensively in desktop publishing and graphic design.

Do modern printers still use PostScript?

Yes, many modern high-end and professional printers still support PostScript, as it ensures accurate reproduction of complex documents and graphics which are essential in professional printing environments.

Can PostScript files be converted to other formats like PDF?

Yes, PostScript files can be converted to other formats such as PDF using tools like Adobe Acrobat or Ghostscript. PDF itself was developed as a simplified, portable form of PostScript.

Is PostScript easy to learn and use?

PostScript is a powerful yet complex language, and learning it can be challenging. However, basic operations like drawing shapes and printing text are relatively straightforward for those with some programming experience.

PDF (Portable Document Format): A file format developed by Adobe that encapsulates a complete description of a fixed-layout flat document, similar to PostScript.
Raster Image Processor (RIP): A component that converts page description languages like PostScript into a bitmap that can be output on a digital printer.
Vector Graphics: A method of representing images using geometric and mathematical expressions, which is heavily used in formats like PostScript.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“PostScript Language: Tutorial and Cookbook” by Adobe Systems Incorporated.
“PostScript Language Reference” by Adobe Systems Incorporated.
“PostScript & Acrobat/PDF: Breakfasts of Champions” by Barry Campbell and Kevin Campbell.

Fundamentals of PostScript: Computing and Desktop Publishing Basics Quiz

### What is PostScript primarily used for? - [x] Printing documents, graphics, and images from application software onto compatible printers. - [ ] Enhancing sound quality in audio devices. - [ ] Serving as a database management system. - [ ] Powering interactive websites. > **Explanation:** PostScript is a page description language used primarily for printing documents, graphics, and images on compatible printers. ### Can PostScript files be converted to other formats? - [x] Yes, they can be converted to formats like PDF using tools like Adobe Acrobat or Ghostscript. - [ ] No, PostScript files cannot be converted to other formats. - [ ] Yes, but they can only be converted to text files. - [ ] Yes, but conversion is highly inefficient and ineffective. > **Explanation:** PostScript files can be converted to other formats, with PDF being one of the most common conversions using tools like Adobe Acrobat or Ghostscript. ### Are PostScript files device-dependent or device-independent? - [ ] Device-dependent. - [x] Device-independent. - [ ] They can be either, depending on their use. - [ ] They need to be adjusted for each device. > **Explanation:** PostScript is designed to be device-independent, which means the same PostScript file can produce consistent results on different output devices. ### What is one of the key advantages of using PostScript in printing? - [ ] It automatically corrects grammatical errors. - [ ] It enhances color depth on screens. - [x] It can scale images and text without loss of quality. - [ ] It reduces the file size of documents. > **Explanation:** One of the key advantages of PostScript is its ability to describe objects in mathematical terms, allowing images and text to be scaled without loss of quality. ### Which software company developed PostScript? - [ ] Microsoft. - [x] Adobe Systems. - [ ] Apple Inc. - [ ] Google. > **Explanation:** Adobe Systems developed PostScript. ### Is mastering PostScript essential for all types of printing? - [ ] Yes, it is essential for any type of printing. - [ ] No, it is only essential for printing reports. - [x] No, it is particularly essential for professional and high-end printing. - [ ] Yes, but only for color printing. > **Explanation:** Mastering PostScript is particularly essential in professional and high-end printing environments where the accuracy and quality of complex documents and graphics are critical. ### Can PostScript be used to describe vector graphics? - [x] Yes, it describes vector graphics using geometric and mathematical expressions. - [ ] No, it only describes raster graphics. - [ ] Yes, but only for basic shapes. - [ ] No, it does not support graphic descriptions. > **Explanation:** PostScript describes vector graphics using geometric and mathematical expressions, allowing for high scalability and precision. ### Which of the following is a related format developed by Adobe that encapsulates PostScript? - [ ] HTML - [ ] SVG - [x] PDF (Portable Document Format) - [ ] DOC > **Explanation:** PDF (Portable Document Format) is a related format developed by Adobe that encapsulates PostScript and provides a fixed-layout document format. ### What programming concept allows PostScript to be highly extensible? - [ ] Macros - [x] Custom procedures - [ ] Loops - [ ] Inheritance > **Explanation:** Custom procedures allow for an extraordinary level of flexibility in PostScript, making it highly extensible. ### What component converts PostScript code into a bitmap for output on digital printers? - [ ] Compiler - [ ] HTML Renderer - [x] Raster Image Processor (RIP) - [ ] Scanner > **Explanation:** A Raster Image Processor (RIP) is the component that converts PostScript code into a bitmap for output on digital printers.

Thank you for exploring the fundamentals of PostScript and challenging yourself with sample exam questions. Keep pushing your understanding of computing and desktop publishing!