lijnplots

A line plot, commonly referred to as a line graph or line chart, is a type of data visualization that displays information as a series of data points connected by straight line segments. It is widely used to illustrate trends, patterns, or relationships between two continuous variables over time or another continuous measure. The horizontal axis, or x-axis, typically represents the independent variable, such as time, while the vertical axis, or y-axis, represents the dependent variable, such as measurement values.

Line plots are particularly useful for showing how data changes over a continuous interval. For example, they can depict temperature fluctuations over a day, stock market performance over months, or population growth over decades. Each data series in a line plot is often represented by a distinct line, sometimes accompanied by markers at data points to enhance clarity. Colors, line styles, and labels are frequently used to differentiate between multiple data series within the same plot.

Creating an effective line plot involves selecting appropriate scales for the axes, ensuring the data is accurately represented, and avoiding misleading visual distortions. While line plots are simple in design, they can convey complex information when used correctly. They are commonly employed in fields such as economics, science, engineering, and social sciences to analyze and communicate trends in datasets. However, they are less effective for displaying categorical data or comparing discrete values across groups.