parse5 vs jsdom vs cheerio vs node-html-parser
HTML Parsing Libraries for Node.js Comparison
1 Year
parse5jsdomcheerionode-html-parserSimilar Packages:
What's HTML Parsing Libraries for Node.js?

HTML parsing libraries in Node.js provide tools for manipulating and traversing HTML documents in a server-side environment. They enable developers to extract data, modify the DOM, and perform web scraping tasks efficiently. Each library comes with its own set of features, performance characteristics, and use cases, making it essential to choose the right one based on project requirements and developer preferences.

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parse547,645,8833,726695 kB304 months agoMIT
jsdom26,845,45020,7853.11 MB533a month agoMIT
cheerio9,983,04229,0821.25 MB386 months agoMIT
node-html-parser3,147,5391,162164 kB122 months agoMIT
Feature Comparison: parse5 vs jsdom vs cheerio vs node-html-parser

Performance

  • parse5:

    parse5 is built for accuracy and compliance with the HTML5 specification, which may come at the cost of performance compared to lighter libraries. It is best used when parsing complex or malformed HTML is a priority.

  • jsdom:

    jsdom can be slower than Cheerio due to its comprehensive browser simulation features. However, it is optimized for performance in scenarios where full DOM manipulation and browser-like behavior are necessary.

  • cheerio:

    Cheerio is designed for speed and efficiency, offering a fast parsing engine that can handle large HTML documents quickly. Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for high-performance web scraping tasks.

  • node-html-parser:

    node-html-parser is lightweight and fast, making it suitable for quick parsing tasks. It provides a good balance between performance and functionality without the overhead of a full DOM implementation.

API Design

  • parse5:

    parse5 has a more complex API due to its focus on standards compliance, which may require a deeper understanding of HTML parsing concepts. It is best suited for developers needing precise control over parsing behavior.

  • jsdom:

    jsdom provides a comprehensive API that closely mimics the browser's DOM API, making it suitable for developers who need to test browser-based code. However, its complexity may introduce a steeper learning curve.

  • cheerio:

    Cheerio offers a jQuery-like API that makes it easy for developers familiar with jQuery to manipulate HTML. Its syntax is intuitive, allowing for quick learning and efficient coding.

  • node-html-parser:

    node-html-parser features a simple and straightforward API, making it easy to parse and manipulate HTML without unnecessary complexity. This simplicity is beneficial for quick tasks and small projects.

Use Cases

  • parse5:

    parse5 is best used in scenarios where accurate HTML parsing is essential, such as when dealing with malformed HTML or when strict adherence to HTML5 standards is required.

  • jsdom:

    jsdom is perfect for testing and running scripts that rely on browser APIs. It is commonly used in unit tests for front-end libraries and frameworks, allowing developers to simulate browser behavior in a Node.js environment.

  • cheerio:

    Cheerio is ideal for web scraping and data extraction tasks where performance is crucial. It is commonly used in projects that require quick parsing and manipulation of HTML documents without the need for a full browser environment.

  • node-html-parser:

    node-html-parser is suitable for simple HTML parsing tasks where a lightweight solution is preferred. It works well for projects that require basic DOM manipulation without the need for complex features.

Community and Support

  • parse5:

    parse5 has a dedicated community focused on standards compliance. Its documentation is thorough, but it may require a deeper understanding of HTML parsing concepts to fully utilize its capabilities.

  • jsdom:

    jsdom is widely used in the testing community, with a robust set of documentation and examples. It benefits from active development and contributions from the community, ensuring it stays up-to-date with browser standards.

  • cheerio:

    Cheerio has a strong community and extensive documentation, making it easy to find resources and examples. Its popularity in the web scraping community ensures ongoing support and updates.

  • node-html-parser:

    node-html-parser has a smaller community compared to others, but it is growing. Documentation is available, though it may not be as extensive as that of Cheerio or jsdom.

Extensibility

  • parse5:

    parse5 is designed for standards compliance and can be extended for specific parsing needs, but its complexity may make it less approachable for developers looking for quick solutions.

  • jsdom:

    jsdom allows for extensive customization and extension through its API, making it suitable for complex applications that require specific browser-like behaviors. Developers can integrate additional libraries to enhance functionality.

  • cheerio:

    Cheerio is highly extensible, allowing developers to create custom functions and plugins to enhance its capabilities. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of web scraping and DOM manipulation tasks.

  • node-html-parser:

    node-html-parser is less extensible compared to others, focusing instead on simplicity and ease of use. It is best suited for straightforward parsing tasks without the need for extensive customization.

How to Choose: parse5 vs jsdom vs cheerio vs node-html-parser
  • parse5:

    Choose parse5 if you need a robust and standards-compliant HTML parser that adheres closely to the HTML5 specification. It is useful for projects that require accurate parsing of complex HTML documents and is particularly effective for handling malformed HTML.

  • jsdom:

    Choose jsdom if you require a full-fledged DOM implementation that simulates a browser environment. It is suitable for testing and running scripts that depend on browser APIs, making it great for unit testing and server-side rendering of web applications.

  • cheerio:

    Choose Cheerio if you need a fast and lightweight library for server-side jQuery-like DOM manipulation. It is ideal for web scraping and parsing HTML documents without the overhead of a full browser environment.

  • node-html-parser:

    Choose node-html-parser for a simple and efficient HTML parser that provides a straightforward API for parsing and manipulating HTML. It is lightweight and does not require a browser-like environment, making it suitable for basic HTML parsing tasks.

README for parse5

parse5

parse5

HTML parser and serializer.

npm install --save parse5

📖 Documentation 📖


List of parse5 toolset packages

GitHub

Online playground

Changelog