cytoscape vs vis-network vs d3-graphviz | Graph Visualization Libraries

Package	Downloads	Stars	Size	Issues	Publish	License

cytoscape	2,445,210	10,748	5.67 MB	27	4 months ago	MIT
vis-network	350,372	3,471	82.9 MB	340	3 months ago	(Apache-2.0 OR MIT)
d3-graphviz	36,335	1,787	2.92 MB	22	a year ago	BSD-3-Clause

Graph Types

cytoscape:
cytoscape supports a wide range of graph types, including directed, undirected, and weighted graphs. It is highly customizable, allowing for the creation of complex network visualizations with various node and edge styles.
vis-network:
vis-network supports various graph types, including directed, undirected, and weighted graphs. It provides multiple layout algorithms and allows for easy customization of nodes and edges, making it versatile for different types of network visualizations.
d3-graphviz:
d3-graphviz focuses on directed and undirected graphs, particularly those that can be represented using the DOT language. It excels at creating hierarchical and flowchart-style diagrams, making it ideal for visualizing structured data.

Interactivity

cytoscape:
cytoscape offers extensive interactivity features, including zooming, panning, and selection. It also supports event handling, allowing developers to create interactive visualizations with tooltips, context menus, and dynamic updates.
vis-network:
vis-network is designed for interactivity, offering built-in support for zooming, panning, dragging, and selection. It also supports events and callbacks, making it easy to create interactive and responsive network visualizations.
d3-graphviz:
d3-graphviz leverages D3.js for interactivity, providing features like zooming, panning, and animated transitions. However, interactivity is more limited compared to cytoscape, and it may require additional coding to implement advanced features.

Layout Algorithms

cytoscape:
cytoscape provides a variety of layout algorithms, including force-directed, circular, grid, and hierarchical layouts. It also supports custom layouts and allows for the integration of third-party layout algorithms, making it highly flexible for different visualization needs.
vis-network:
vis-network offers multiple built-in layout algorithms, including hierarchical, force-directed, and circular layouts. It allows for easy switching between layouts and provides customization options, making it user-friendly for various types of network visualizations.
d3-graphviz:
d3-graphviz primarily uses Graphviz's layout algorithms, such as dot (hierarchical), neato (force-directed), and circo (circular). These algorithms are well-suited for structured and hierarchical data, but the library is less flexible for custom layouts compared to cytoscape.

Integration

cytoscape:
cytoscape integrates well with other data analysis tools and libraries, including Cytoscape.js for web-based applications and Cytoscape desktop for more advanced analysis. It also supports integration with React, Angular, and Vue.js, making it versatile for modern web development.
vis-network:
vis-network is a standalone library but can be easily integrated with other JavaScript frameworks and libraries. It is designed to be lightweight and modular, making it easy to incorporate into existing projects.
d3-graphviz:
d3-graphviz integrates seamlessly with D3.js, allowing for the combination of Graphviz's layout capabilities with D3's powerful data visualization features. This makes it ideal for developers who want to leverage both libraries for more complex and interactive visualizations.

Ease of Use: Code Examples

cytoscape:

Simple graph visualization with cytoscape

import cytoscape from 'cytoscape';
const cy = cytoscape({
  container: document.getElementById('cy'),
  elements: [
    { data: { id: 'a' } },
    { data: { id: 'b' } },
    { data: { id: 'ab', source: 'a', target: 'b' } }
  ],
  style: [
    { selector: 'node', style: { 'background-color': '#666', 'label': 'data(id)' } },
    { selector: 'edge', style: { 'width': 3, 'line-color': '#ccc' } }
  ],
  layout: { name: 'grid' }
});

vis-network:

Simple graph visualization with vis-network

import { Network } from 'vis-network';
const nodes = new vis.DataSet([
  { id: 1, label: 'Node 1' },
  { id: 2, label: 'Node 2' },
  { id: 3, label: 'Node 3' }
]);
const edges = new vis.DataSet([
  { from: 1, to: 2 },
  { from: 2, to: 3 }
]);
const container = document.getElementById('network');
const data = { nodes, edges };
const options = {};
const network = new Network(container, data, options);

d3-graphviz:

Simple graph visualization with d3-graphviz

import { graphviz } from 'd3-graphviz';
const graph = `
  digraph G {
    A -> B;
    B -> C;
    C -> A;
  }
`;
d3.select('#graph').graphviz().renderDot(graph);