Google Places API vs Leaflet: What are the differences?

Markdown is a lightweight markup language with plain-text formatting syntax and is often used to format content for websites. Below are the key differences between Google Places API and Leaflet in Markdown format:

1. Data Sources: Google Places API pulls data from Google's expansive database, offering comprehensive information on businesses, points of interest, and places globally. In contrast, Leaflet relies on users to provide their own data sources, such as GeoJSON or custom map tiles, making it more flexible for specific use cases.

2. Mapping Functionality: Google Places API is primarily focused on providing location data, including details about businesses, their reviews, and photos. On the other hand, Leaflet is a JavaScript library for interactive maps, allowing users to create custom map experiences with features like overlays, markers, and geolocation functions.

3. Licensing: Google Places API is a paid service with usage limits and pricing based on the number of requests made. In contrast, Leaflet is an open-source library distributed under the MIT License, allowing for free usage, modification, and distribution without restrictions.

4. Dependencies: Google Places API requires an API key and authentication to access the service, along with compliance to Google's terms of service. Leaflet, being a front-end library, can be integrated into web projects without external dependencies or API keys, offering more control over the mapping implementation.

5. Customization: Google Places API offers limited customization options for the presentation of location data, with predefined styles and templates. In contrast, Leaflet provides extensive customization capabilities through CSS and JavaScript, allowing users to design map interfaces tailored to their specific design requirements.

6. Offline Support: Google Places API requires an active internet connection to fetch and display location data from Google's servers. Leaflet, however, supports caching of map tiles and data, enabling offline usage and the creation of offline map applications for areas with limited connectivity.

In Summary, the key differences between Google Places API and Leaflet lie in their data sources, mapping functionality, licensing, dependencies, customization options, and offline support.