Plotly-js
Aidi Tan
May 31, 2019
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CommentsWhat is Plotly.js?
It is a standalone Javascript data visualization library, and it also powers the Python and R modules named plotly in those respective ecosystems (referred to as Plotly.py and Plotly.R). It can be used to produce dozens of chart types and visualizations, including statistical charts, 3D graphs, scientific charts, SVG and tile maps, financial charts and more.
Plotly.js is a tool in the UI Components category of a tech stack.
Key Features
Feature parity with MATLAB/matplotlib graphingOnline chart editorFully interactive (hover, zoom, pan)SVG and WebGL backendsPublication-quality image export
Plotly.js Pros & Cons
Pros of Plotly.js
- ✓Bindings to popular languages like Python, Node, R, etc
- ✓Integrated zoom and filter-out tools in charts and maps
- ✓Great support for complex and multiple axes
- ✓Powerful out-of-the-box featureset
- ✓Beautiful visualizations
- ✓Active user base
- ✓Impressive support for webgl 3D charts
- ✓Charts are easy to share with a cloud account
- ✓Webgl chart types are extremely performant
- ✓Easy to use online editor for creating plotly.js charts
Cons of Plotly.js
- ✗Terrible document
Plotly.js Alternatives & Comparisons
What are some alternatives to Plotly.js?
D3.js
It is a JavaScript library for manipulating documents based on data. Emphasises on web standards gives you the full capabilities of modern browsers without tying yourself to a proprietary framework.
Chart.js
Visualize your data in 6 different ways. Each of them animated, with a load of customisation options and interactivity extensions.
Matplotlib
It is a Python 2D plotting library which produces publication quality figures in a variety of hardcopy formats and interactive environments across platforms. It can be used in Python scripts, the Python and IPython shells, the Jupyter notebook, web application servers, and four graphical user interface toolkits.
