Matplotlib vs Plotly : Which is Better?

Matplotlib icon

Matplotlib

Matplotlib is a plotting library for the Python programming language and its numerical mathematics extension NumPy.

License: Open Source

Categories: Development

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux Online

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Plotly icon

Plotly

Plotly lets users easily create interactive charts and dashboards to share online with their audience. Developed by Plotly, Inc.

License: Freemium

Categories: Development

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux Online iPhone

Matplotlib VS Plotly

Plotly is primarily designed for interactive and web-based visualizations, making it ideal for dashboards and complex data presentations. In contrast, Matplotlib excels in static visualizations and is favored for exploratory data analysis due to its extensive customization options and support for various backends.

Matplotlib

Pros:

  • Wide range of plotting capabilities
  • Highly customizable
  • Strong support for static plots
  • Great for exploratory data analysis
  • Well-established library with extensive resources
  • Integration with Jupyter notebooks
  • Supports various backends
  • Open-source and free to use
  • Large community and examples available
  • Efficient for large data sets

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Less suited for interactive visualizations
  • Static output may not be suitable for all applications

Plotly

Pros:

  • Interactive plots
  • Supports web-based applications
  • Easy integration with Dash for web apps
  • Supports 3D plotting
  • High-quality visualizations
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Built-in support for various chart types
  • Good documentation and community support
  • Customizable aesthetics
  • Suitable for data dashboards

Cons:

  • Requires knowledge of JavaScript for advanced features
  • Performance can be slower with large datasets
  • Less control over low-level aesthetics compared to Matplotlib
  • Some features may require a subscription for advanced usage
  • Can be overwhelming for simple plots

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