D3.js vs Epoch by Fastly vs Plotly: What are the differences?

# Introduction

D3.js, Epoch by Fastly, and Plotly are popular data visualization libraries used for creating interactive graphics on the web. Each of these libraries has its unique features and functionalities that set them apart from one another.

1. **Rendering Approach**: D3.js is a low-level library that gives users full control over the rendering process, allowing for customization and flexibility in creating complex visualizations. On the other hand, Epoch by Fastly provides a simpler and more streamlined approach to data visualization, offering a ready-to-use set of charts and interfaces for quick deployment. Plotly falls somewhere in between, offering a balance between customization and ease of use with its interactive plotting capabilities.

2. **Community Support**: D3.js has a robust and active community with a vast collection of resources, tutorials, and plugins available for users. This extensive community support makes it easier for developers to troubleshoot issues and find solutions to common problems. Epoch by Fastly and Plotly also have growing communities, but they may not be as extensive or well-established as D3.js.

3. **Chart Types**: D3.js has a wide range of chart types available, from basic bar and line charts to more complex visualizations like network graphs and geographical maps. Epoch by Fastly focuses primarily on time series data and provides a limited set of specialized chart types tailored for this purpose. Plotly offers a diverse array of chart types, including 3D plots, geospatial plots, and statistical charts, making it suitable for a wide range of data visualization needs.

4. **Interactivity**: D3.js provides extensive support for interactivity, allowing users to create dynamic and engaging visualizations with animations, tooltips, zooming, and panning functionalities. Epoch by Fastly also offers interactivity features but may not be as extensive as D3.js. Plotly, on the other hand, excels in interactivity with features like hover effects, linked views, and cross-filtering capabilities.

5. **Deployment Options**: While D3.js requires users to host the library on their server or include it in their web page, Epoch by Fastly and Plotly offer cloud-based solutions for data visualization. Epoch by Fastly provides the option to host charts on Fastly's CDN, while Plotly offers an online platform for creating, sharing, and collaborating on interactive visualizations.

6. **Learning Curve**: D3.js has a steep learning curve due to its low-level nature and complex API, requiring users to have a strong understanding of web technologies like HTML, CSS, and SVG. Epoch by Fastly and Plotly, on the other hand, have more user-friendly APIs and documentation, making it easier for beginners to get started with data visualization.

In Summary, D3.js, Epoch by Fastly, and Plotly each offer unique features and functionalities in data visualization, with differences in rendering approach, community support, chart types, interactivity, deployment options, and learning curve.