The main difference between PostScript and PCL is that PostScript is a Page Description Language developed by Adobe Systems, while the Printer Command Language (PCL) is a Page Description Language developed by Hewlett-Packard as a printer protocol.
Generally, Page Description Language is a computer language that describes the appearance of a printed page at a higher level than an actual output bitmap. These languages consist of text or binary streams. Both PostScript and PCL are common Page Description Language.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is PostScript
-Definition, Functionality
2. What is PCL
-Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between PostScript and PCL
-Comparison of key differences
Key Terms
Bitmap, Page Description Language, PostScript, Printer Command Language (PCL), Raster Image Processors (RIP)
What is PostScript
PostScript is a Page Description Language in electronic publishing and desktop publishing business. Adobe systems developed this language. Moreover, it is a dynamically typed programming language.
There are various versions of PostScript. PostScript Level 1 was initially released in 1984. PostScript level 2 was introduced in 1991. It includes features to improve speed and reliability, support RIP separations, image decompression support for composite fonts and form mechanism for caching reusable content. Finally, in 1997, Adobe Systems introduced PostScript 3. It consists of new dictionary based versions of older operators and better color handling. Moreover, it provides smooth shading operations and allows the addition of ink colors to composite color pages. Therefore, people use PostScript 3 in magazine production.
Generally, a laser printer makes it possible to position high quality graphics and text on the same page. PostScript works as a single control language that supports any brand of printer. Furthermore, it goes beyond a regular printer control language, and it is a whole programming language of its own.
Most applications are capable of converting a document into a PostScript program. It is possible to send this program into an interpreter of a printer which prints the document or to an application inside another which can display the document on the screen. The interpreter of a printer transforms the instruction of the PostScript program into the dots required to create the output. Therefore, another name for PostScript interpreters is PostScript Raster Image Processors (RIP).
What is PCL
PCL stands for Printer Command Language. Hewlett Packard developed it as a printer protocol. Initially, it was developed for inkjet printers in 1984. Later, the users used it with various printers such as thermal, matrix and page printers. Furthermore, the later versions of PCL supported HP-GL/2 and PJL. However, some users refer to PCL as Printer Control Language, but it is incorrect. Printer Control Language is, in fact, another name to denote Page Description Language.
In PCL too, there are various versions. PCL 1 provided basic text and graphics printing with a maximum resolution of 150 dpi (dots per inch). It is obsolete now. However, the next version, the PCL 2, is still in use with several impact printers. It has more functionalities, such as data processing and transactions. Also, it supports bitmap fonts. Moreover, its maximum resolution is 300dpi. Subsequently, PCL 4 is capable of adding macros, larger bitmap fonts and graphics, while PCL 5 is capable of adding Intellifont font scaling, outline fonts and HP-GL/2 (vector) graphics. Finally, PCL 6, the latest version, consists of PCL 6 Enhanced, PCL 6 Standard, and font synthesis.
Difference Between PostScript and PCL
Definition
PostScript is a page description language. The Adobe Systems developed it for electronic publishing and desktop publishing. But, PCL is a Page Description Language (PDL) developed by Hewlett-Packard as a printer protocol. Thus, this is the main difference between PostScript and PCL.
Developer
Abode Systems developed PostScript whereas Hewlett Packard developed PCL.
Versions
Furthermore, PostScript level 1, 2, and 3 are common versions of PostScript, while PCL 1, 2, 3, 3+, 4, 5, 5e, and 5c are common versions of PCL.
Conclusion
In brief, page description language is a computer language that describes the appearance of a printed page. PostScript and PCL are two of the page description languages. However, the main difference between PostScript and PCL is that the PostScript is a page description language developed by Adobe Systems, while PCL is a Page Description Language developed by Hewlett-Packard as a printer protocol.
References:
1.“Page Description Language.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 July 2018, Available here.
2.“PostScript.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 June 2019, Available here.
3.“Printer Command Language.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Apr. 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1.”PostScript Example Code Icon” By Izipy – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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