"userwarning: Matplotlib is currently using agg, which is a non-GUI backend, so cannot show the figure." when plotting figure with pyplot on Pycharm

Setting up the backends: A step-by-step manual

Double-checking tkinter installation

To validate the installation of tkinter, run this in your Python environment:

import tkinter  # If this doesn't explode, you're good to go!
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There's no pip for tkinter, so resort to good ol' system package managers to set it up, as explained above.

Touring the Mart's Alternate Backends

If TkAgg feels like eating the same meal every day, check out the alternative backends like Qt5Agg or GTKAgg. Install PyQt5 via a simple command:

pip install pyqt5  # Super easy, right?
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Then call it with 'Qt5Agg' in the script:

matplotlib.use('Qt5Agg')  # PyQt5 is in the house!
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Make sure you plot a test graph to ensure your backend setup didn't go south.

When GUIs play hide and seek: Saving plots

Cannot run GUI backends? No worries, you can save the plot to a file:

plt.savefig('my_plot.png')  # Because digital papyrus never gets lost in the system labyrinth!
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Feel free to view your masterpiece without the rigmarole of a GUI backend.

Final checks

Dive into Tkdocs or in-depth Python docs if you're up for some deep self-guided learning.

Mayday! Avoiding common calamities

Backend Conflicts: The Unwanted Guest

Changing backends after importing certain Matplotlib modules can cause a jam. Ensure you set the backend upfront before inviting matplotlib.pyplot to kick off the show.

Virtual Environments: The Parallel Universe

Virtual environments carry their own package sets, completely oblivious to your system Python's setup. Make sure to check the local tkinter packaging when using one.

Platform-Specific Twists and Twirls

Certain backends play better with specific platforms. macOSX works like a charm for Apple wizards, but Windows and Linux might not share the sentiment.