graphlib vs cytoscape vs vis-network vs @antv/graphlib vs d3-graphviz vs sigma
Graph Visualization Libraries Comparison
3 Years
graphlibcytoscapevis-network@antv/graphlibd3-graphvizsigmaSimilar Packages:
What's Graph Visualization Libraries?

Graph visualization libraries are tools designed to help developers create, manipulate, and visualize graph structures in web applications. They provide various functionalities to represent nodes and edges, allowing for interactive exploration and analysis of complex data relationships. These libraries cater to different needs, from simple graph representation to advanced visualization techniques, making them essential for data-driven applications that require clear and effective representation of relationships and hierarchies.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
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Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
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Size
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graphlib2,235,281
1,691-366 years agoMIT
cytoscape1,658,528
10,6155.67 MB15a month agoMIT
vis-network166,115
3,37884 MB3392 months ago(Apache-2.0 OR MIT)
@antv/graphlib114,302
25294 kB09 months agoMIT
d3-graphviz36,446
1,7682.92 MB22a year agoBSD-3-Clause
sigma34,950
11,717969 kB303 months agoMIT
Feature Comparison: graphlib vs cytoscape vs vis-network vs @antv/graphlib vs d3-graphviz vs sigma

Graph Structure Management

  • graphlib:

    graphlib provides essential functionalities for managing graph structures, including basic operations for adding and removing nodes and edges. It is lightweight and focuses on algorithmic manipulation rather than visualization, making it suitable for backend processing.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape offers a rich set of features for graph structure management, including the ability to create complex graphs with multiple node and edge types. It supports various layout algorithms and provides extensive options for customizing the appearance of nodes and edges.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network supports dynamic graph structures, allowing users to add or remove nodes and edges on the fly. It provides a straightforward API for managing graph data, making it accessible for developers looking to create interactive visualizations.

  • @antv/graphlib:

    @antv/graphlib provides a comprehensive API for creating and manipulating graph data structures, including directed and undirected graphs. It supports advanced operations such as adding/removing nodes and edges, finding shortest paths, and performing depth-first and breadth-first searches.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz allows users to define graph structures using the DOT language, making it easy to create and manipulate graphs programmatically. It integrates seamlessly with D3.js, enabling users to leverage D3's powerful data binding and manipulation capabilities.

  • sigma:

    Sigma specializes in rendering graph structures efficiently, allowing for real-time manipulation of nodes and edges. It supports large datasets and provides features for dynamic updates, making it ideal for interactive applications.

Visualization Capabilities

  • graphlib:

    graphlib focuses on graph management rather than visualization. For rendering, developers need to combine it with other libraries, such as D3.js or Sigma, to visualize the graph structures.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape excels in visualization, offering a wide range of layout algorithms and customizable styles for nodes and edges. It allows for interactive exploration of graphs, making it suitable for complex datasets.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network offers rich visualization capabilities with a user-friendly interface. It supports various layouts and allows for interactive manipulation of graphs, making it suitable for real-time applications.

  • @antv/graphlib:

    @antv/graphlib does not provide built-in visualization capabilities; it focuses on graph data structures. Users typically integrate it with other libraries for rendering graphs visually.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz leverages D3.js for visualization, allowing users to create highly customizable and interactive graphs. It can render graphs defined in DOT format, integrating well with other D3 visualizations.

  • sigma:

    Sigma is specifically designed for graph visualization, providing high-performance rendering for large graphs. It supports various visual styles and interactions, making it ideal for applications that require dynamic graph exploration.

Interactivity

  • graphlib:

    graphlib does not provide interactivity features, as it is focused on graph management. For interactive visualizations, developers need to combine it with libraries that support user interactions.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape provides extensive interactivity features, including zooming, panning, and event handling for nodes and edges. It allows users to interact with the graph dynamically, making it suitable for exploratory data analysis.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network is highly interactive, allowing users to manipulate graphs in real-time. It supports drag-and-drop functionality for nodes and provides various interaction options, making it suitable for dynamic applications.

  • @antv/graphlib:

    @antv/graphlib does not inherently provide interactivity features; it is primarily focused on graph data management. Developers can implement interactivity by integrating it with visualization libraries.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz supports interactivity through D3.js, allowing users to create responsive visualizations that react to user inputs. However, the level of interactivity depends on how users implement it within the D3 framework.

  • sigma:

    Sigma is designed for interactivity, offering features like zooming, panning, and customizable event handling for nodes and edges. It is ideal for applications that require user engagement with graph data.

Performance

  • graphlib:

    graphlib is lightweight and efficient for managing graph structures, but it does not provide visualization capabilities. Its performance is best utilized in algorithmic contexts rather than rendering.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape is optimized for performance with large graphs, utilizing WebGL for rendering to ensure smooth interactions even with extensive datasets. It provides efficient layout algorithms to enhance performance during graph manipulation.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network is designed for performance, providing smooth interactions and rendering for dynamic graphs. It efficiently handles updates and allows for real-time manipulation of graph data.

  • @antv/graphlib:

    @antv/graphlib is optimized for performance in graph management, allowing for efficient operations on large datasets. It is designed to handle complex graph algorithms without significant overhead.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz performance depends on D3.js rendering capabilities. While it can handle moderate-sized graphs efficiently, performance may degrade with very large datasets unless optimized carefully.

  • sigma:

    Sigma is built for performance, specifically for rendering large graphs in real-time. It utilizes WebGL for efficient rendering, allowing for smooth interactions and visualizations even with complex datasets.

Learning Curve

  • graphlib:

    graphlib has a low learning curve, making it easy for developers to start managing graph structures quickly. Its simplicity is beneficial for those focusing on algorithmic implementations.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features and capabilities. However, its comprehensive documentation and community support can help ease the learning process.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network has a user-friendly API and a low learning curve, making it accessible for developers of all skill levels. Its straightforward approach allows for quick implementation of interactive graphs.

  • @antv/graphlib:

    @antv/graphlib has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers familiar with graph theory. Understanding its API and how to integrate it with visualization libraries may take some time.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz requires familiarity with both D3.js and the DOT language, which can pose a learning challenge for new users. However, those experienced with D3 will find it relatively straightforward to integrate.

  • sigma:

    Sigma has a moderate learning curve, particularly for developers new to graph visualization. However, its documentation and examples can help users get started with creating interactive visualizations.

How to Choose: graphlib vs cytoscape vs vis-network vs @antv/graphlib vs d3-graphviz vs sigma
  • graphlib:

    Use graphlib if you need a lightweight library focused on graph data structure management. It is suitable for applications that require basic graph operations without the overhead of visualization features, making it ideal for algorithmic implementations.

  • cytoscape:

    Select Cytoscape if you require a comprehensive platform for complex network analysis and visualization. It excels in handling large datasets and offers extensive features for interactivity and customization, making it suitable for biological and social network analysis.

  • vis-network:

    Select vis-network if you need a versatile library for visualizing networks and timelines. It offers a user-friendly API and supports dynamic data updates, making it suitable for real-time applications and interactive visualizations.

  • @antv/graphlib:

    Choose @antv/graphlib if you need a robust library for managing graph data structures with a focus on performance and flexibility. It is ideal for applications that require advanced graph algorithms and manipulation capabilities, such as layout and traversal.

  • d3-graphviz:

    Opt for d3-graphviz if you want to leverage the power of Graphviz within a D3.js context. It is perfect for rendering directed and undirected graphs using DOT language, especially when you need to integrate with existing D3 visualizations.

  • sigma:

    Choose Sigma if your primary goal is to visualize large graphs with a focus on performance and interactivity. It is designed for rendering graphs in web applications and provides features for zooming, panning, and customizing the visual representation of nodes and edges.

README for graphlib

Graphlib

Graphlib is a JavaScript library that provides data structures for undirected and directed multi-graphs along with algorithms that can be used with them.

Build Status

To learn more see our Wiki.

License

Graphlib is licensed under the terms of the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.