# Visualizing braids

The followign code presents the different visualizations integrated in braidpy:

```python
from braidpy import Braid
from braidpy.parametric_braid import ParametricBraid
from braidpy.parametric_strand import braid_to_parametric_strands
import matplotlib

matplotlib.use("QtAgg")
b = Braid((1, -2), n_strands=3)
b.draw()
b.plot()
strands = braid_to_parametric_strands(b ** 12)
p = ParametricBraid(strands)  # .plot()
p.plot()
```
## Draw colored braid diagram in terminal
The tirst basic visualization enables to draw a braid diagram directly in the console, with some colors !

![colored ASCII braid example](draw_colored_ASCII_braid.png)

The direction of the arrow indicates the braid of the corresponding color is moving above its neighboor.

## Plot colored braid diagram
The second type of visualization enables to plot a 2D braid diagram using matplotlib:

```python
b.plot()
```

![2D braid diagram](2D_braid_diagram.png)

Warning: for now this plot is using [braidvisualizer](https://github.com/rexgreenway/braid-visualiser/tree/main/src/braidvisualiser) and is not following the same color code.

## Plot 3D braid
The third level is 3D visualization. You first need to convert your braidword to a parametric braid.
Then you can plot the parametric braid using either matplotlib or plotly:

![3D braid example plotly](3D_braid_example_plotly.png)

Using matplotlib:
![3D braid example](3D_braid_example.png)