Know which JavaScript Chart Library is the best for you
Data Visualization has now become a crucial part of the IT industry, as today the majority of data needs to be properly visualized in a certain format. Today, every business is making a straight beeline towards the section of 'Data Analysis' especially in the case of making significant decisions. We are completely surrounded by data, basically, everything around us is data.
So, to prevent yourself from drowning in this overwhelming amount of data, you need something more refined and powerful than the old-fashioned spreadsheets.
Even the businesses are in search of finding an effective as well as an efficient way for the purpose of visualizing their data. These businesses are not just looking for storing their data, they also need their data to be displayed. In such a way, that the data is interactive and can further help them by allowing to view the data with multiple possible perspectives.
One solution to this query is ''JavaScript Chart Libraries" because it is almost impossible to even imagine a visual representation of data without any use of charts and graphs. Especially in the case of statistics, without a graph, all your growth is nothing but just a few numbers bunched together.
That's why in this article, we have curated an awesome list featuring the best free JavaScript Libraries for Charts just for you:
License: Free and Open Source
Example of Dygraphs:
Dygraphs is one of the best JavaScript Libraries for making charts and graphs that is open-source. If you are someone who is suffering from the issue of organizing very large sets of data. Another thing that makes dygraphs a favorite, is that it is interactive out of the box that means functions like zoom and pinches support are available for mobile devices as well.
It comes with a variety of options and custom callbacks to make the Dygraphs Chart library highly configurable. This JS library is compatible with a majority of modern browsers including IE8.
License: Free and Open Source
Example of Chart.js:
The charts of this JavaScript Library are very responsive as they use the HTML5 canvas element for the purpose of rendering the charts. The features like polyfills support are compatible with IE7 and IE8. Chart.js works well for smaller projects where the user is looking for something that is fast and clean.
This Chart library is often referred to as a small javascript charting library as it is just 11 KB in its zipped and minified format. The Chart.js library mainly included chart types like the bar type, line chart, polar chart, pie chart, doughnut chart, etc.
And every type of chart comes with its own module, this acts as a plus point. Because now, the user has the option of only loading those chart types which are used by them, thus reducing the user's footprint.
License: Free and Open Source
Example of Flot:
Flot is one of the JavaScript Libraries that are compatible with a majority of modern as well as browsers including the IE6. The Flot charting library is widely known by a majority of people as it is also one of the oldest chart libraries whose specialty is focusing on the simple usage of interactive features.
As Flot is mainly for JQuery, the user needs to have a basic understanding of it so that he/she can effectively use this library. Over the years, Flot has made quite a big community for itself so the support facility is not at all an issue here.
License: Free and Open Source
Example of D3.js:
The JS Chart library D3 is a popular charting library that is used for delivering great data visualization. This javascript library basically conforms to the W3C standards making it compatible across all browsers. D3 library is powerful as it comes packed with an array of impressive features and extremely powerful transitions.
If you are in need of some excellent visual effects, then D3 is the one you should opt for maintaining your data and making it visually pleasing. Programmers often describe that with D3, you can bring the CSS and HTML to life as its graphics also keeps on updating the DOM.
License: Free and Open Source
Example of Ember charts:
Ember Charts is a Chart JS Library that provides the user with a simplified and extensible experience with an advanced chart suite that is built by combining the properties of Ember.js and D3.js frameworks.
The developers are still working on updating this javascript library by adding some more libraries to it, including Ember Widgets and Ember Tables. It is one of the javascript libraries that are known for their robustness and polished interface.
License: Free and Open Source
Example of Sigma.js:
Among the list of JavaScript libraries for charting, Sigma.js is the one that specializes in the 'Use Cases' by including a wide range of Sigma Libraries as well as plugins in its interactive settings. So, if you use the sigma.js charts once then chances are that you will never think of graphs as something that's plain and boring.
With Sigma, the user can experience the true capability of a powerful charting library for showcasing an interactive representation of the graphs as well as other networks.
License: Free and Open Source
Example of ytoscape.js:
Cytoscape is one of those JavaScript charting libraries that is compatible with all modern browsers and also with a majority of software frameworks including jQuery, Require.js, Node.js and many more. This charting javascript library comes with a full-featured graph library that is open source and is entirely written in JavaScript.
With cytoscape.js, the user can create a graph widget that is reusable which can further be integrated with the user's own JavaScript. Under the LGPL3+ license, this chart library is free.
License: Free and Open Source
Example of C3.js:
The C3 javascript chart library is basically based on the principles of the D3 javascript charting library but one thing that makes it different from D3 is that C3 is reusable. With C3, the user gets a number of APIs as well as callbacks that can be used to update the chart even after the first render.
C3 allows you to create your own style by letting you build customized classes. C3.js also resolves the issue with the D3's steep learning curve by wrapping up the code which is required to develop the whole Echart.
License: Free and Open Source
Example of Rickshaw:
Shutterstock first developed Rickshaw as a toolkit to fulfill the purpose of creating the time-series graphs. This open-source javascript chart library is also based on the D3 javascript framework. This JavaScript chart library is open source and free for all users.
The Rickshaw charting library comes with a large variety of features and extensions that are customizable which enables users to create innovative time series charts and graphs.
So, these are some of the best javascript libraries that are free for creating interactive as well as unique charts. We hope that this article shared some great insights regarding with javascript chart library that will be a good pick for you, according to your chart and graph requirements.
Also, let us know in the ‘Comment’ section down below: Which JavaScript library is the best for charting
Aparna is a growth specialist with handsful knowledge in business development. She values marketing as key a driver for sales, keeping up with the latest in the Mobile App industry. Her getting things done attitude makes her a magnet for the trickiest of tasks. In free times, which are few and far between, you can catch up with her at a game of Fussball.
We will connect you with potential service providers as per your business requirements.
Stay updated with the top stories of the mobile industry.
Cut to the chase content that’s credible, insightful & actionable.
Get the latest mashup of the App Industry Exclusively Inboxed
