Which is Better HTML Parsing Libraries?
parse5 vs jsdom vs cheerio vs domino
1 Year
parse5jsdomcheeriodominoSimilar Packages:
What's HTML Parsing Libraries?

HTML parsing libraries are essential tools in web development that allow developers to manipulate and traverse HTML documents programmatically. These libraries provide various functionalities for parsing, querying, and modifying the structure of HTML, making them invaluable for tasks such as web scraping, server-side rendering, and DOM manipulation. Each library has its unique strengths, catering to different use cases and performance requirements, which can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of web applications.

NPM Package Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
parse541,746,2793,650702 kB31-MIT
jsdom23,389,16620,4603.11 MB52319 days agoMIT
cheerio8,893,25528,5441.25 MB432 months agoMIT
domino539,426769-374 years agoBSD-2-Clause
Feature Comparison: parse5 vs jsdom vs cheerio vs domino

Performance

  • parse5: Parse5 is known for its speed and compliance with the HTML5 specification, making it a fast parser suitable for applications that require strict adherence to HTML standards. It is optimized for performance, especially in scenarios where large HTML documents need to be processed.
  • jsdom: While jsdom provides a comprehensive DOM environment, it can be slower than lighter alternatives due to its extensive feature set. It is best used in scenarios where a full browser-like environment is necessary, such as testing frameworks or server-side rendering.
  • cheerio: Cheerio is optimized for speed and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for high-performance web scraping tasks. It operates in a lightweight manner, allowing for quick parsing and manipulation of HTML documents without the overhead of a full browser environment.
  • domino: Domino is designed to be lightweight and fast, providing a minimalistic DOM implementation that allows for quick operations. Its performance is suitable for applications that require basic DOM manipulation without the complexity of a full browser context.

API Compatibility

  • parse5: Parse5 focuses primarily on parsing and does not provide a traditional DOM manipulation API. Instead, it offers a set of methods for parsing HTML and manipulating the resulting AST (Abstract Syntax Tree), which may require a different approach for developers used to DOM manipulation.
  • jsdom: jsdom offers a rich and extensive API that closely resembles the browser's native DOM API, providing a wide range of features for event handling, script execution, and DOM manipulation. This makes it suitable for applications that require detailed interactions with the DOM.
  • cheerio: Cheerio's API is designed to be compatible with jQuery, allowing developers familiar with jQuery to easily manipulate HTML documents using similar syntax and methods. This makes it highly accessible for those transitioning from client-side to server-side JavaScript.
  • domino: Domino provides a simple and straightforward API that mimics the browser's DOM API, making it easy to use for developers who are accustomed to working with the DOM in a browser environment. However, it may lack some of the advanced features found in more comprehensive libraries.

Use Cases

  • parse5: Parse5 is primarily used for parsing HTML documents, especially in applications that require strict compliance with HTML5 standards. It is commonly used in web crawlers, validators, and any application that needs to process and analyze HTML content.
  • jsdom: jsdom is perfect for testing frameworks, server-side rendering, and applications that require a full-featured DOM environment. It is widely used in unit testing for front-end applications, allowing developers to simulate browser behavior in a Node.js environment.
  • cheerio: Cheerio is ideal for web scraping, server-side rendering, and any scenario where fast HTML manipulation is required without the need for a full DOM environment. It is particularly useful for extracting data from web pages and transforming HTML content.
  • domino: Domino is best suited for lightweight applications that require basic DOM manipulation without the overhead of a full browser. It is often used in scenarios where a simple DOM representation is sufficient, such as in testing or simple rendering tasks.

Extensibility

  • parse5: Parse5 is designed for performance and compliance rather than extensibility. It provides a solid foundation for parsing HTML, but developers may need to implement additional functionality for specific use cases.
  • jsdom: jsdom is highly extensible, allowing developers to create custom elements, extend the DOM API, and integrate with other libraries. This flexibility makes it suitable for complex applications that require tailored DOM interactions.
  • cheerio: Cheerio is extensible through its jQuery-like API, allowing developers to create custom functions and plugins to enhance its capabilities. This makes it flexible for various use cases, especially in web scraping and data manipulation.
  • domino: Domino is relatively simple and does not offer extensive extensibility options. However, its lightweight nature allows for easy integration into other projects without significant overhead.

Learning Curve

  • parse5: Parse5 may have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with parsing concepts, as it focuses on generating and manipulating an AST rather than providing a traditional DOM interface. Understanding how to work with the AST is essential for effective use.
  • jsdom: jsdom has a moderate learning curve due to its comprehensive feature set and resemblance to the browser's DOM. Developers may need to familiarize themselves with its extensive API to fully leverage its capabilities.
  • cheerio: Cheerio has a gentle learning curve, especially for developers familiar with jQuery. Its API is straightforward, making it easy to pick up and use for HTML manipulation tasks without extensive documentation.
  • domino: Domino's API is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible for developers who need basic DOM manipulation capabilities. Its minimalistic design contributes to a low learning curve.
How to Choose: parse5 vs jsdom vs cheerio vs domino
  • parse5: Choose parse5 if you need a fast and compliant HTML parser that adheres to the HTML5 specification. It is particularly useful for applications that require strict parsing of HTML documents, such as when building web crawlers or validators, and is designed for performance and compliance.
  • jsdom: Opt for jsdom when you need a full-featured DOM and HTML environment that closely mimics a web browser. It is suitable for testing and server-side rendering, providing a comprehensive API for manipulating the DOM, handling events, and executing scripts, making it a robust choice for applications that require extensive DOM interactions.
  • cheerio: Choose Cheerio if you need a fast, lightweight library for server-side manipulation of HTML documents. It is designed to be compatible with jQuery syntax, making it easy to use for those familiar with jQuery, and is ideal for web scraping tasks where performance is crucial.
  • domino: Select Domino if you require a minimalistic and fast DOM implementation that closely resembles the browser's DOM. It is particularly useful for simulating a browser environment in Node.js applications, allowing for lightweight DOM manipulation without the overhead of a full browser context.
README for parse5

parse5

parse5

HTML parser and serializer.

npm install --save parse5

📖 Documentation 📖


List of parse5 toolset packages

GitHub

Online playground

Changelog