CanvasJS vs D3.js

Overview

D3.js

Stacks2.0K

Followers1.7K

Votes653

GitHub Stars111.7K

Forks22.9K

CanvasJS

Stacks24

Followers95

Votes20

CanvasJS vs D3.js: What are the differences?

Introduction: CanvasJS and D3.js are two popular JavaScript libraries used for data visualization on the web. While both libraries serve similar purposes, they have some key differences that set them apart.

Scalability: CanvasJS is designed for handling large datasets efficiently. It uses the HTML5 Canvas element for rendering and can handle thousands of data points with ease. D3.js, on the other hand, is more flexible and can handle both small and large datasets. It uses SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) for rendering, which provides better support for interactivity and responsiveness.
Ease of Use: CanvasJS offers a simpler API and has a more intuitive learning curve compared to D3.js. It provides a higher level of abstraction, making it easier for beginners to create basic visualizations quickly. D3.js, however, requires more coding and has a steeper learning curve. It provides a lower level of abstraction, giving users more control over customization and advanced data manipulation.
Interaction and Animation: D3.js is known for its powerful interactivity and animation capabilities. It provides extensive support for user interactions like zooming, panning, and tooltips. D3.js also offers a wide range of built-in animation options that can be used to create stunning visual effects. While CanvasJS does provide some interactivity options, it's not as robust as D3.js in this aspect.
Browser Compatibility: CanvasJS is compatible with a wide range of browsers, including older versions. It's built using pure JavaScript, which makes it more reliable and less prone to compatibility issues. D3.js, on the other hand, may require additional workarounds and polyfills to ensure compatibility with older browsers.
Community and Support: D3.js has a larger and more active community compared to CanvasJS. It has been around for longer and has a vast collection of examples, tutorials, and resources available online. This makes it easier for developers to find help and guidance when using D3.js. While CanvasJS also has a supportive community, it may not offer the same level of resources and community support as D3.js.
Customizability: D3.js provides unparalleled control and customizability over visualizations. It allows users to create unique and highly customized visualizations by directly manipulating the DOM (Document Object Model). CanvasJS, on the other hand, provides a more straightforward approach to customization with its built-in themes and configuration options. While it does offer some level of customization, it may not match the flexibility that D3.js provides.

In Summary, CanvasJS is a scalable and easy-to-use library that excels in handling large datasets efficiently, while D3.js offers more flexibility, interactivity, and customization options with a steeper learning curve. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the project.

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Advice on D3.js, CanvasJS

Ayaskant

SSE-II at Akamai

Oct 25, 2019

Needs advice

I want to get suggestions on these 2 open source js libraries (D3.js & echarts) that help in creating charts or graphs on the UI. Which one will be better for bar graphs. Which is easy to learn and start with? Which provides better features and community support?

My requirements are 1 - Plot data in X-Y axis graph where x-axis will present time till seconds level and Y-Axis will present the data corresponding to that time.

2 - Zoom-in and zoom out feature.

56k views56k

Comments

Detailed Comparison

D3.js	CanvasJS
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.	Lightweight, Beautiful & Responsive Charts that make your dashboards fly even with millions of data points! Self-Hosted, Secure & Scalable charts that render across devices.
Declarative Approach for Individual Nodes Manipulation; Functions Factory; Web Standards; Built-in ELement Inspector to Debug; Uses SVG, Canvas, and HTML; Data-driven approach to DOM Manipulation; Voronoi Diagrams; Maps and topo.	30+ Chart Types; Renders across Devices & Platforms; Real-time Analytics; Themes; Interactivity; Zooming & Panning; Drilldown Chart; Ticks, Grids; Interlaced Colors; Synchronized Charts; Tooltip Syncing; Crosshair Syncing; Multiple Axes; Logarithmic Axes; Exporting as Image; Trend Lines; Numeric Axis; Date-Time Axis; Category Axis; Reversed Axis; Multiseries Chart; Dynamic Chart; Advanced Axis Labelling; Event Handlers;
Statistics
GitHub Stars 111.7K	GitHub Stars -
GitHub Forks 22.9K	GitHub Forks -
Stacks 2.0K	Stacks 24
Followers 1.7K	Followers 95
Votes 653	Votes 20
Pros & Cons
Pros 195 Beautiful visualizations 103 Svg 92 Data-driven 81 Large set of examples 61 Data-driven documents Cons 11 Beginners cant understand at all 6 Complex syntax	Pros 3 30+ Chart Types 1 Low learning curve 1 Simple API 1 Interactivity 1 Synchronized Charts Cons 1 It's not free
Integrations
JavaScript React Native AngularJS React Bootstrap	Django Amazon RDS Google Cloud SQL Swift Google Cloud Platform Vue.js MySQL C# ASP.NET Flutter

What are some alternatives to D3.js, CanvasJS ?

Highcharts

Highcharts currently supports line, spline, area, areaspline, column, bar, pie, scatter, angular gauges, arearange, areasplinerange, columnrange, bubble, box plot, error bars, funnel, waterfall and polar chart types.

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.

Chart.js

Visualize your data in 6 different ways. Each of them animated, with a load of customisation options and interactivity extensions.

Recharts

Quickly build your charts with decoupled, reusable React components. Built on top of SVG elements with a lightweight dependency on D3 submodules.

ECharts

It is an open source visualization library implemented in JavaScript, runs smoothly on PCs and mobile devices, and is compatible with most current browsers.

ZingChart

The most feature-rich, fully customizable JavaScript charting library available used by start-ups and the Fortune 100 alike.

amCharts

amCharts is an advanced charting library that will suit any data visualization need. Our charting solution include Column, Bar, Line, Area, Step, Step without risers, Smoothed line, Candlestick, OHLC, Pie/Donut, Radar/ Polar, XY/Scatter/Bubble, Bullet, Funnel/Pyramid charts as well as Gauges.

AnyChart

AnyChart is a flexible JavaScript (HTML5) based solution that allows you to create interactive and great looking charts. It is a cross-browser and cross-platform charting solution intended for everybody who deals with creation of dashboard, reporting, analytics, statistical, financial or any other data visualization solutions.

ApexCharts

A modern JavaScript charting library to build interactive charts and visualizations with simple API.

Bokeh

Bokeh is an interactive visualization library for modern web browsers. It provides elegant, concise construction of versatile graphics, and affords high-performance interactivity over large or streaming datasets.

Related Comparisons

CanvasJS vs D3.js: What are the differences?

Scalability: CanvasJS is designed for handling large datasets efficiently. It uses the HTML5 Canvas element for rendering and can handle thousands of data points with ease. D3.js, on the other hand, is more flexible and can handle both small and large datasets. It uses SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) for rendering, which provides better support for interactivity and responsiveness.
Ease of Use: CanvasJS offers a simpler API and has a more intuitive learning curve compared to D3.js. It provides a higher level of abstraction, making it easier for beginners to create basic visualizations quickly. D3.js, however, requires more coding and has a steeper learning curve. It provides a lower level of abstraction, giving users more control over customization and advanced data manipulation.
Interaction and Animation: D3.js is known for its powerful interactivity and animation capabilities. It provides extensive support for user interactions like zooming, panning, and tooltips. D3.js also offers a wide range of built-in animation options that can be used to create stunning visual effects. While CanvasJS does provide some interactivity options, it's not as robust as D3.js in this aspect.
Browser Compatibility: CanvasJS is compatible with a wide range of browsers, including older versions. It's built using pure JavaScript, which makes it more reliable and less prone to compatibility issues. D3.js, on the other hand, may require additional workarounds and polyfills to ensure compatibility with older browsers.
Community and Support: D3.js has a larger and more active community compared to CanvasJS. It has been around for longer and has a vast collection of examples, tutorials, and resources available online. This makes it easier for developers to find help and guidance when using D3.js. While CanvasJS also has a supportive community, it may not offer the same level of resources and community support as D3.js.
Customizability: D3.js provides unparalleled control and customizability over visualizations. It allows users to create unique and highly customized visualizations by directly manipulating the DOM (Document Object Model). CanvasJS, on the other hand, provides a more straightforward approach to customization with its built-in themes and configuration options. While it does offer some level of customization, it may not match the flexibility that D3.js provides.

CanvasJS vs D3.js

Overview