graphlib vs cytoscape vs @dagrejs/graphlib vs vis-network vs d3-graphviz vs sigma
Graph Visualization Libraries Comparison
1 Year
graphlibcytoscape@dagrejs/graphlibvis-networkd3-graphvizsigmaSimilar Packages:
What's Graph Visualization Libraries?

Graph visualization libraries are essential tools in web development for representing complex relationships and data structures visually. They enable developers to create interactive and dynamic visual representations of graphs, networks, and trees, enhancing data analysis and user engagement. These libraries provide various functionalities, including layout algorithms, rendering capabilities, and interactivity features, making it easier to understand and manipulate graph data in web applications.

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graphlib2,217,6001,658-396 years agoMIT
cytoscape1,315,28410,4595.62 MB21a month agoMIT
@dagrejs/graphlib586,7821,658190 kB3910 months agoMIT
vis-network123,3883,28943 MB3403 hours ago(Apache-2.0 OR MIT)
d3-graphviz36,8861,7542.92 MB2110 months agoBSD-3-Clause
sigma29,51211,590969 kB3112 days agoMIT
Feature Comparison: graphlib vs cytoscape vs @dagrejs/graphlib vs vis-network vs d3-graphviz vs sigma

Graph Manipulation

  • graphlib:

    graphlib offers basic graph manipulation features, including adding and removing nodes and edges. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it suitable for simple graph applications without complex requirements.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape offers comprehensive graph manipulation capabilities, allowing users to create, modify, and query graphs dynamically. It supports both directed and undirected graphs, enabling complex network analyses and transformations.

  • @dagrejs/graphlib:

    @dagrejs/graphlib provides a rich set of methods for adding, removing, and querying nodes and edges in directed graphs. It supports advanced features like graph traversal and pathfinding algorithms, making it suitable for complex graph operations.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network provides intuitive methods for adding and removing nodes and edges, along with options for dynamically updating the graph in real-time. It is user-friendly and suitable for interactive applications.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz focuses on rendering graphs defined in DOT language, allowing users to manipulate graph structures through D3.js. While it does not provide extensive graph manipulation features, it integrates well with D3 for custom visualizations.

  • sigma:

    Sigma allows for basic graph manipulation but is primarily focused on rendering. It provides methods to add and remove nodes and edges, but users may need to manage graph data separately for complex manipulations.

Rendering Performance

  • graphlib:

    graphlib focuses on data structure efficiency rather than rendering. It is lightweight and fast for graph operations but requires integration with a rendering library for visualization.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape is designed for high-performance rendering of complex networks, utilizing WebGL for efficient display of large datasets. It supports various layouts and can handle thousands of nodes and edges smoothly.

  • @dagrejs/graphlib:

    @dagrejs/graphlib is optimized for performance in graph manipulation but does not handle rendering directly. It is often used in conjunction with other libraries for visualization tasks.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network provides good rendering performance for interactive visualizations, supporting smooth transitions and animations. It is suitable for medium-sized graphs and offers a responsive user experience.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz leverages D3.js for rendering, which is efficient for smaller graphs. However, performance may vary with larger datasets due to the overhead of D3's general-purpose rendering capabilities.

  • sigma:

    Sigma is highly optimized for rendering large graphs, utilizing WebGL for fast performance. It can handle large datasets efficiently, making it ideal for applications requiring real-time interaction with extensive graphs.

Interactivity

  • graphlib:

    graphlib does not focus on interactivity, as it is primarily a data structure library. Users must implement interactivity in conjunction with visualization libraries.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape excels in interactivity, offering built-in support for user interactions such as dragging, zooming, and selecting nodes and edges. It allows for extensive customization of interaction behaviors.

  • @dagrejs/graphlib:

    @dagrejs/graphlib does not provide built-in interactivity features, as it focuses on graph data structures. Developers need to implement interactivity separately when integrating with visualization libraries.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network offers excellent interactivity features, allowing users to drag nodes, zoom in and out, and select elements easily. It is designed for user-friendly interactions in network visualizations.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz allows for interactivity through D3.js, enabling developers to create custom interactions. However, it requires more effort to implement interactivity compared to dedicated libraries like Cytoscape.

  • sigma:

    Sigma provides a range of interactivity features, including mouse events and touch support. It allows users to interact with graphs seamlessly, making it suitable for applications requiring user engagement.

Customization

  • graphlib:

    graphlib is focused on graph data structures and does not provide customization for visualization. Developers must rely on other libraries for rendering and styling.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape provides extensive customization options for graph styles, layouts, and behaviors. Users can define custom styles for nodes and edges, making it highly adaptable for various use cases.

  • @dagrejs/graphlib:

    @dagrejs/graphlib does not offer visualization customization options, as it focuses on graph data structures. Customization must be handled through integration with rendering libraries.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network provides a straightforward way to customize node and edge styles, layouts, and interaction behaviors. It is user-friendly and allows for quick adjustments to visual properties.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz allows for some level of customization through D3.js, enabling users to manipulate visual properties. However, it is limited by the capabilities of Graphviz's DOT language.

  • sigma:

    Sigma offers customization options for node and edge styles, layouts, and interactions. It supports plugins for additional features, allowing for tailored visualizations.

Learning Curve

  • graphlib:

    graphlib is easy to learn for developers familiar with JavaScript, as its API is simple and intuitive. It is suitable for those looking for basic graph manipulation without complex features.

  • cytoscape:

    Cytoscape has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features and customization options. Users may need time to understand its API and effectively utilize its capabilities for complex visualizations.

  • @dagrejs/graphlib:

    @dagrejs/graphlib has a moderate learning curve, especially for users unfamiliar with graph theory. However, its API is straightforward for basic graph operations, making it accessible for developers with some experience.

  • vis-network:

    vis-network is designed to be user-friendly, with a gentle learning curve. Its straightforward API allows developers to quickly create interactive visualizations without extensive prior knowledge.

  • d3-graphviz:

    d3-graphviz has a learning curve associated with both D3.js and Graphviz. Users must be familiar with D3's concepts and the DOT language to effectively create visualizations.

  • sigma:

    Sigma has a moderate learning curve, particularly for users new to WebGL. However, its documentation and examples help ease the learning process for rendering large graphs.

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

    Use graphlib for a lightweight and straightforward approach to graph data structures. It is suitable for applications that require basic graph manipulation without the overhead of additional visualization features.

  • cytoscape:

    Opt for Cytoscape if you need a powerful library for visualizing complex networks with extensive customization options. It supports a wide range of layouts and styles, making it suitable for biological data visualization and social network analysis.

  • @dagrejs/graphlib:

    Choose @dagrejs/graphlib if you need a robust library for managing directed graphs with a focus on performance and efficiency. It offers a comprehensive API for graph manipulation and is ideal for applications requiring complex graph algorithms.

  • vis-network:

    Select vis-network for a user-friendly library that offers a simple API for creating interactive network visualizations. It is ideal for projects that require quick setup and easy integration with other libraries.

  • d3-graphviz:

    Select d3-graphviz if you want to integrate Graphviz's powerful graph layout capabilities into your D3.js visualizations. It is perfect for users familiar with D3 who need to create sophisticated diagrams with minimal effort.

  • sigma:

    Choose Sigma if your primary focus is on rendering large-scale graphs in a web environment. It is optimized for performance and provides a variety of plugins for enhancing interactivity and visualization capabilities.

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.