[step-basic] Basic Step Plot

[MarkusNeusinger]

Description

A step plot (also known as stair plot or stepped line chart) displays data using horizontal lines connected by vertical lines, creating a stair-step pattern. It's ideal for visualizing data that changes at discrete intervals rather than continuously.

Key Features

• Horizontal segments at each data point
• Vertical connections between steps
• Clear visualization of discrete changes
• No interpolation between points

Applications

• Cumulative data over time (e.g., total sales)
• Price changes (stocks, pricing tiers)
• Inventory levels over time
• Step functions in mathematics
• Digital signals or binary data

Data Requirements

• Time or sequential x-axis variable
• Numeric y-axis variable
• Data representing discrete changes
• Optional: multiple series for comparison

Visual Elements

• Horizontal line segments at each value
• Vertical lines connecting to next value
• Step style: 'pre', 'mid', or 'post'
• Clear axis labels showing time/sequence
• Optional: markers at data points

[claude]

✅ Spec ID: step-basic

Rationale: Step plots are a distinct visualization type for displaying discrete changes, not currently in the repository.

This is a valid and useful plot type for visualizing cumulative data, price changes, and step functions. No duplicates found.

Add label approved to begin generation.

[github-actions]

✅ Specification Ready: step-basic

PR: #957

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specification.md

step-basic: Basic Step Plot

Description

A step plot (also known as a stair plot or stepped line chart) displays data using horizontal lines connected by vertical lines, creating a stair-step pattern. Unlike line charts that interpolate between points, step plots show values as constant until the next change occurs. This makes them ideal for visualizing data that changes at discrete intervals, emphasizing the exact moments when values change.

Applications

• Tracking cumulative sales or revenue over time where totals increase in discrete jumps
• Visualizing stock price changes or pricing tier adjustments throughout a trading day
• Displaying inventory levels that decrease or increase at specific events
• Showing digital signals, binary states, or step functions in engineering and mathematics

Data

• x (numeric/datetime) - Sequential or time-based variable representing when changes occur
• y (numeric) - The value that remains constant until the next step
• Size: 10-100 data points work well; too many points may clutter the visualization
• Example: Monthly cumulative sales figures, hourly inventory snapshots

Notes

• Use 'pre' step style when the value applies from the previous point until the current one
• Use 'post' step style when the value applies from the current point until the next one
• Use 'mid' step style to center the step between adjacent points
• Consider adding markers at data points to highlight where changes occur
• Grid lines can help readers trace values across the plot

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Next: Add approved label to merge this specification to main.

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🤖 spec-create workflow

[github-actions]

🚀 Specification Merged!

Specification: step-basic
PR: #957 (merged)

The specification is now in main and synced to PostgreSQL.

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Next: Add generate:{library} labels to start generating implementations.

Available libraries: matplotlib, seaborn, plotly, bokeh, altair, plotnine, pygal, highcharts, letsplot

Or use workflow dispatch for bulk operations.

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🤖 spec-create workflow