Asy

asy is a shortened form most often associated with .asy files, the scripting language Asymptote's source files. Asymptote is a descriptive vector graphics language designed for creating mathematical diagrams and technical illustrations. .asy files are plain text scripts that describe geometric constructions, dimensions, colors, and rendering settings.

Typical use involves running the Asymptote interpreter, which processes a .asy script to produce graphics in formats such as EPS, PDF, or SVG. These graphics can then be embedded in LaTeX documents or used standalone in other drawings. Asymptote offers a procedural syntax with C-like constructs, supports 2D and 3D graphics, and integrates with TeX/LaTeX via a dedicated package, allowing precise control over typography and alignment. It can render algebraic curves, 3D surfaces, plots, and decorative figures; supports labeling, transformations, shading, and text with LaTeX math mode.

The Asymptote project maintains documentation and example libraries that help users create figures. While "asy" is mostly tied to Asymptote in common use, it may appear in other contexts as an abbreviation; however, there is no single universal meaning for the term.