D3.js vs Plotly.js

Developers should learn D3 meets developers should learn plotly. Here's our take.

D3.js

Nice Pick

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

Plotly.js

Developers should learn Plotly

Pros

• js when building data-intensive web applications that require rich, interactive visualizations, such as dashboards, analytics platforms, or scientific tools
• Related to: javascript, d3-js

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use D3.js if: You want 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 and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Plotly.js if: You prioritize js when building data-intensive web applications that require rich, interactive visualizations, such as dashboards, analytics platforms, or scientific tools over what D3.js offers.

The Bottom Line

D3.js wins

Developers should learn D3