Size and Performance
- date-fns: date-fns is designed to be lightweight, with a modular approach that allows you to import only the functions you need, resulting in smaller bundle sizes and faster performance. Its functional programming style also contributes to efficient execution.
- dayjs: dayjs is extremely lightweight, with a minimal footprint that makes it one of the fastest date libraries available. Its performance is comparable to Moment.js but with a much smaller size, making it ideal for performance-sensitive applications.
- moment: Moment.js is the largest of the libraries discussed here, which can impact performance in applications where bundle size is critical. Its extensive features come at the cost of increased size and slower performance compared to modern alternatives.
- luxon: luxon has a moderate size due to its comprehensive feature set, but it is well-optimized for performance, especially when dealing with time zones and localization. It balances size and functionality effectively for most applications.
- js-joda: js-joda is slightly larger than some alternatives but offers a high level of performance due to its immutable data structures. It is optimized for complex date-time calculations, making it suitable for applications that require precision.
Mutability
- date-fns: date-fns functions return new instances rather than modifying the original date objects, promoting immutability and preventing side effects in your code, which is a key principle in functional programming.
- dayjs: dayjs is designed to be immutable, meaning that any operation on a dayjs object returns a new instance rather than modifying the original. This helps maintain predictable behavior in your applications.
- moment: Moment.js, by default, mutates the original date object when performing operations. This can lead to unexpected behavior if not managed carefully, making it less suitable for functional programming paradigms.
- luxon: luxon also follows an immutable design, where all date-time manipulations return new instances. This ensures that the original date-time objects remain unchanged, promoting safer and more predictable code.
- js-joda: js-joda emphasizes immutability, ensuring that all date-time objects are immutable. This design choice aligns with best practices in functional programming and helps avoid bugs related to unintended mutations.
Localization and Time Zones
- date-fns: date-fns provides basic localization support but lacks extensive time zone handling. It is suitable for applications that require simple date formatting and manipulation without complex time zone logic.
- dayjs: dayjs offers a plugin for time zone support, allowing you to handle time zones effectively. However, its localization capabilities are somewhat limited compared to more comprehensive libraries.
- moment: Moment.js has robust localization and time zone support, making it a go-to choice for applications that need to handle a wide range of locales and time zone conversions. However, its size and performance drawbacks should be considered.
- luxon: luxon excels in localization and time zone management, built on the Intl API. It provides extensive features for formatting dates and times according to locale and handling daylight saving time, making it ideal for international applications.
- js-joda: js-joda has built-in support for time zones and follows the ISO-8601 standard, making it an excellent choice for applications that require precise date-time handling across different time zones.
API Design and Usability
- date-fns: date-fns features a simple and intuitive API that is easy to learn, especially for developers familiar with functional programming. Its modular design allows for straightforward usage without unnecessary complexity.
- dayjs: dayjs offers a familiar API for those coming from Moment.js, making it easy to transition. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a great choice for developers looking for a lightweight solution without a steep learning curve.
- moment: Moment.js has a rich API with many features, but its complexity and size can make it overwhelming for new developers. While it provides extensive functionality, it may not be the best choice for new projects due to its legacy status.
- luxon: luxon's API is user-friendly and designed for modern JavaScript, making it easy to work with dates and times. Its extensive documentation and clear method names enhance usability, especially for international applications.
- js-joda: js-joda's API is more complex due to its strict adherence to the ISO-8601 standard, which may require a steeper learning curve. However, it provides powerful capabilities for those who need precise date-time handling.
Maintenance and Community Support
- date-fns: date-fns is actively maintained and has a growing community. Its modular design encourages contributions, and the library is regularly updated with new features and improvements.
- dayjs: dayjs is also actively maintained and has gained popularity for its lightweight design. The community is supportive, and the library is frequently updated to address issues and add features.
- moment: Moment.js is in maintenance mode, meaning it is no longer actively developed for new features. While it remains widely used, developers are encouraged to consider alternatives for new projects due to its legacy status.
- luxon: luxon is actively maintained and has a strong community backing. It is frequently updated to improve functionality and address user needs, making it a reliable choice for modern applications.
- js-joda: js-joda is maintained with a focus on adherence to standards, and while its community is smaller, it is dedicated to providing a robust solution for date-time handling in JavaScript.
