Immutability
- date-fns:
date-fns does not enforce immutability, as it primarily operates on native Date objects. Functions return new Date instances, but the original Date can still be modified, which may lead to side effects if not managed carefully.
- luxon:
Luxon provides immutable date-time objects, ensuring that any operations performed on a date-time instance return a new instance rather than modifying the original. This feature promotes safer and more predictable date-time manipulation.
- @js-joda/core:
@js-joda/core emphasizes immutability, meaning once a date-time object is created, it cannot be altered. This prevents unintended side effects in your code and enhances predictability when working with date-time values.
Time Zone Support
- date-fns:
date-fns offers limited time zone support. While it can handle UTC and local time, it lacks comprehensive time zone manipulation features, making it less suitable for applications that require extensive time zone handling.
- luxon:
Luxon excels in time zone support, providing a straightforward API for working with different time zones. It allows easy conversion between time zones and includes methods for displaying date-time values in a user's local time.
- @js-joda/core:
@js-joda/core has built-in support for time zones, allowing developers to work with date-time values across different zones easily. It adheres to the IANA time zone database for accurate conversions and calculations.
Localization
- date-fns:
date-fns offers excellent localization capabilities, allowing developers to format dates in various locales easily. It provides a wide range of formatting options and supports multiple languages, making it versatile for international applications.
- luxon:
Luxon provides robust localization features, enabling developers to format date-time values according to different locales. It includes built-in support for internationalization, making it suitable for applications targeting a global audience.
- @js-joda/core:
@js-joda/core has limited localization features, focusing primarily on date-time calculations rather than formatting. Developers may need to implement additional logic for localization.
Learning Curve
- date-fns:
date-fns is relatively easy to learn due to its functional programming style and modular approach. Developers can quickly grasp its usage by focusing on individual functions, making it accessible for beginners.
- luxon:
Luxon has a steeper learning curve compared to date-fns but offers a rich set of features. Developers may need time to familiarize themselves with its API, especially when dealing with advanced date-time operations.
- @js-joda/core:
@js-joda/core has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers familiar with Java's Joda-Time library. Its API is designed to be intuitive for those who understand date-time concepts but may require some time to master for newcomers.
Performance
- date-fns:
date-fns is lightweight and modular, allowing developers to import only the necessary functions. This modularity can lead to better performance in applications where bundle size is critical, as it avoids loading unnecessary code.
- luxon:
Luxon is performant for most use cases, but its comprehensive feature set may introduce overhead compared to lighter libraries. However, its advanced capabilities often justify the performance trade-offs in applications requiring extensive date-time manipulation.
- @js-joda/core:
@js-joda/core is optimized for performance, especially in applications that require complex date-time calculations. Its immutable design and adherence to standards contribute to efficient processing of date-time values.