What is the difference between printers and plotters?

Printers and plotters are both output devices used to produce hard copies of digital documents, but they differ in their mechanisms and purposes. Printers are generally used for producing text and graphics on paper using inkjet or laser technology, while plotters are designed for producing large-scale drawings or designs on paper or other materials using pens or markers. Plotters are typically used in engineering, architecture, and design industries where precision and accuracy are crucial, while printers are more commonly used for everyday printing needs.