Which is Better Graph Visualization Libraries?
viz.js vs d3-graphviz
1 Year
viz.jsd3-graphvizSimilar Packages:
What's Graph Visualization Libraries?

Graph visualization libraries are essential tools for rendering and displaying graph structures in web applications. They provide functionalities to create, manipulate, and visualize complex graphs using various algorithms and rendering techniques. These libraries help developers represent data relationships visually, making it easier to understand and analyze connections within datasets. Both d3-graphviz and viz.js serve the purpose of rendering graphs, but they have distinct features and use cases that cater to different needs in web development.

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viz.js58,2264,091-66 years agoMIT
d3-graphviz35,9391,6962.92 MB173 months agoBSD-3-Clause
Feature Comparison: viz.js vs d3-graphviz

Rendering Capabilities

  • viz.js: viz.js is a JavaScript port of Graphviz, designed specifically for rendering DOT language graphs. It provides a straightforward way to generate graphs from DOT syntax, making it easy to create and display graphs without deep knowledge of D3.
  • d3-graphviz: d3-graphviz utilizes D3.js to render graphs using SVG, allowing for highly customizable and interactive visualizations. It supports various graph layouts and can easily integrate with other D3 visualizations, making it ideal for complex data representations.

Integration

  • viz.js: viz.js operates independently and can be used in any JavaScript environment. It is particularly useful for projects that require quick graph rendering without the need for a full visualization library like D3.
  • d3-graphviz: d3-graphviz is built on top of D3.js, making it an excellent choice for projects already using D3 for other visualizations. This integration allows for a cohesive development experience and the ability to combine different types of visualizations seamlessly.

Ease of Use

  • viz.js: viz.js is simpler to use for those who are familiar with the DOT language, as it allows for quick graph creation with minimal setup. Its API is straightforward, making it accessible for developers who need to generate graphs quickly.
  • d3-graphviz: d3-graphviz requires familiarity with D3.js concepts, which may present a steeper learning curve for beginners. However, once mastered, it offers powerful capabilities for creating complex visualizations.

Customization

  • viz.js: viz.js offers limited customization compared to d3-graphviz, focusing primarily on rendering DOT graphs. While it allows for some styling, it does not provide the same level of interactivity or customization as D3.
  • d3-graphviz: d3-graphviz provides extensive customization options through D3.js, allowing developers to manipulate styles, transitions, and interactions. This flexibility is ideal for applications that require tailored visual experiences.

Performance

  • viz.js: viz.js is optimized for rendering DOT graphs quickly, but performance may vary based on the complexity of the graph. It is generally efficient for standard graph sizes but may struggle with very large datasets.
  • d3-graphviz: d3-graphviz performance is dependent on D3.js optimizations and can handle large datasets efficiently. However, complex interactions and animations may impact rendering speed if not managed properly.
How to Choose: viz.js vs d3-graphviz
  • d3-graphviz: Choose d3-graphviz if you are already using D3.js for data visualization and need to integrate graph rendering seamlessly. It allows you to leverage D3's powerful data-driven approach and provides a more customizable experience for graph layouts and interactions.
README for viz.js

Viz.js

Build Status

This project builds Graphviz with Emscripten and provides a simple wrapper for using it in the browser.

For more information, see the wiki.

See Also

Have a look at Dagre, which is not a hack.

Getting Viz.js

Building From Source

To build from source, first install the Emscripten SDK. You'll also need Node.js and Yarn.

Install the development dependencies using Yarn:

yarn install

The build process for Viz.js is split into two parts: building the Graphviz and Expat dependencies, and building the rendering script files and API.

make deps
make all

Running Browser Tests

The browser tests can be run locally using Selenium WebDriver.

First, serve the project directory at http://localhost:8000.

python -m SimpleHTTPServer

Then, run tests using test-browser/runner.js. For example, to run test-browser/full.html in Chrome:

node test-browser/runner --file full.html --browser chrome