Plotly vs D3.js : Which is Better?

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

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D3.js icon

D3.js

D3.js (D3 for Data-Driven Documents) is a JavaScript library for producing dynamic, interactive data visualizations in web browsers. Developed by Mike Bostock

License: Open Source

Categories: Development

Apps available for Online Self-Hosted

Plotly VS D3.js

D3.js is a powerful and flexible library for creating complex and highly customizable visualizations, but it comes with a steep learning curve. Plotly, on the other hand, is more user-friendly and offers a variety of built-in chart types, making it easier for beginners to create interactive visualizations quickly.

Plotly

Pros:

  • User-friendly and easy to learn
  • Wide range of built-in chart types
  • Supports real-time data updates
  • Responsive design for mobile
  • Excellent documentation and resources

Cons:

  • Less customizable than D3.js
  • Performance issues with very large datasets
  • Limited control over low-level SVG elements
  • Some advanced features require a subscription
  • Dependency on JavaScript and Plotly library

D3.js

Pros:

  • Highly customizable and flexible
  • Powerful for complex visualizations
  • Great for large datasets
  • Strong community support
  • Detailed control over SVG elements

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • More coding required for basic charts
  • Less built-in functionality compared to Plotly
  • Not as user-friendly
  • Can be overwhelming for simple visualizations

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