Custom Chart Libraries vs D3.js

Developers should learn or use custom chart libraries when standard charting tools like D3 meets developers should learn d3. Here's our take.

Custom Chart Libraries

Nice Pick

Developers should learn or use custom chart libraries when standard charting tools like D3

Pros

• js or Chart
• Related to: d3-js, canvas-api

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

D3.js

Developers should learn D3

Pros

• js when they need to create custom, data-rich visualizations that go beyond basic charting libraries, such as for scientific data, financial dashboards, or interactive infographics
• Related to: javascript, svg

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Custom Chart Libraries if: You want js or chart and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use D3.js if: You prioritize js when they need to create custom, data-rich visualizations that go beyond basic charting libraries, such as for scientific data, financial dashboards, or interactive infographics over what Custom Chart Libraries offers.

The Bottom Line

Custom Chart Libraries wins

Developers should learn or use custom chart libraries when standard charting tools like D3