Convert HPGL to PBM

The HPGL file extension, short for Hewlett-Packard Graphics Language, is a file format and printer control language developed by Hewlett-Packard in 1977 for use with their plotter printers, starting with the HP-9872. HPGL files contain commands that instruct plotters to draw images using lines rather than dots, making them essential in CAD applications and technical drawings. The language uses a series of two-letter codes followed by parameters to control the plotter's actions, such as moving the pen or drawing shapes.

The PBM (Portable Bitmap) file extension, part of the Netpbm project, originated in the late 1980s to facilitate efficient and portable graphics file interchange. Primarily, PBM files are used to store monochrome bitmaps in a simple ASCII text format, ensuring easy compatibility across different systems and platforms. This format supports only black-and-white imagery, making it particularly useful in scenarios where simplicity and minimalism are prioritized, such as in Unix environments for bitmap manipulation and transfer. Its historical significance lies in promoting a standardized approach to bitmap graphics in early computer technology.