lodash vs immutable vs underscore vs ramda
JavaScript Utility Libraries
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JavaScript Utility Libraries

JavaScript utility libraries are collections of pre-written functions that help developers perform common tasks more efficiently. These libraries provide tools for manipulating arrays, objects, strings, and other data types, allowing for cleaner and more concise code. They often include functions for tasks like deep cloning, merging, filtering, mapping, and reducing data structures. By using utility libraries, developers can save time, reduce code duplication, and improve the readability and maintainability of their code. Popular utility libraries include Lodash, Underscore.js, and Ramda, each offering a unique set of features and design philosophies.

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lodash51,523,18661,549-1025 years agoMIT
immutable16,277,03033,099709 kB1203 months agoMIT
underscore10,312,29527,388906 kB52a year agoMIT
ramda6,557,07624,1071.2 MB1473 months agoMIT
Feature Comparison: lodash vs immutable vs underscore vs ramda

Immutability

  • lodash:

    Lodash does not provide built-in immutability features, as it is primarily a utility library focused on providing a wide range of functions for manipulating data. However, many of its functions can be used in an immutable manner if the developer ensures that the original data is not modified. For example, functions like _.map, _.filter, and _.reduce return new arrays or objects based on the input data, allowing for immutable transformations when used correctly. Additionally, Lodash encourages best practices for writing functional and non-mutating code, but it does not enforce immutability by default.

  • immutable:

    The immutable library provides persistent data structures that are inherently immutable, meaning that once they are created, they cannot be changed. Instead of modifying the original data, any operation that would normally change the data (such as adding, removing, or updating an element) returns a new version of the data structure with the change applied. This approach helps prevent unintended side effects and makes it easier to reason about how data changes over time. It is particularly useful in applications that rely on functional programming principles or need to manage complex state changes, such as in React or Redux applications.

  • underscore:

    Underscore does not provide built-in support for immutability. Like Lodash, it is a utility library that offers functions for manipulating data, but it does not enforce immutability or provide immutable data structures. Developers can use Underscore's functions in an immutable way by ensuring that they do not modify the original data, but the library itself does not promote or facilitate immutability.

  • ramda:

    Ramda is a functional programming library that emphasizes immutability and pure functions. All of its functions are designed to be non-mutating, meaning they do not change the input data but instead return new data structures with the changes applied. This makes Ramda a great choice for projects that prioritize immutability and functional programming principles. The library also encourages the use of curried and composable functions, which further promotes a declarative and immutable coding style.

Functional Programming Support

  • lodash:

    Lodash provides some support for functional programming, particularly with its higher-order functions, currying, and composition utilities. However, it is not a functional programming library by design. Lodash includes features like _.curry, _.partial, and _.flow that facilitate a more functional style of coding, but it also includes many imperative-style functions. Developers can use Lodash in a functional programming context, but it does not enforce or prioritize functional programming principles.

  • immutable:

    The immutable library supports functional programming by providing persistent data structures that can be used in a non-mutating way. Its API is designed to work well with functional programming paradigms, allowing developers to use higher-order functions, map, filter, and reduce operations without worrying about side effects. The library encourages a functional approach to data manipulation, making it easier to write predictable and testable code.

  • underscore:

    Underscore includes some functional programming features, such as higher-order functions, map, reduce, and filter. However, it is not a functional programming library and does not emphasize FP principles like immutability or currying. Underscore provides a solid foundation for functional programming in JavaScript, but it does not go as far as libraries like Ramda in promoting a functional style.

  • ramda:

    Ramda is designed with functional programming in mind and provides first-class support for FP concepts. It emphasizes immutability, pure functions, and function composition. Ramda's API is built around curried and composable functions, making it easy to create reusable and modular code. The library encourages a declarative coding style and provides utilities that align well with functional programming practices, making it a great choice for FP enthusiasts.

Modularity

  • lodash:

    Lodash is a highly modular utility library that allows developers to import only the functions they need, which helps reduce bundle size and improve performance. Lodash provides a modular build system that enables tree shaking, meaning unused code can be eliminated during the build process. Additionally, Lodash offers individual package distributions for many of its functions, allowing for even more granular imports. This modularity makes Lodash a flexible choice for projects where minimizing bundle size is a priority.

  • immutable:

    The immutable library is not modular in the sense of allowing selective imports of individual functions or components. It is a single package that provides a set of persistent data structures, including List, Map, Set, and Record, all of which are bundled together. However, the library is designed to be efficient, and its data structures are implemented in a way that minimizes memory usage and performance overhead. While you cannot import only a part of the library, you can use its data structures in a modular way within your application, leveraging them as needed without incurring significant overhead.

  • underscore:

    Underscore is not a modular library, and it does not provide a built-in system for selective imports or tree shaking. The entire Underscore library is typically included in a project, which can lead to larger bundle sizes if only a small portion of the library is used. However, Underscore is a lightweight library compared to some others, and its simplicity and ease of use make it a popular choice for projects that need a straightforward utility library without the complexity of modularity.

  • ramda:

    Ramda is not as modular as Lodash, but it does provide some level of modularity. Ramda encourages the use of individual functions and promotes a functional programming style, but it does not have a built-in system for tree shaking or selective imports. However, the library is designed to be used in a way that encourages developers to import only the functions they need, which can help reduce bundle size. Ramda's focus on functional programming and immutability makes it a good choice for projects that value these principles, even if it is not as modular as Lodash.

Ease of Use: Code Examples

  • lodash:

    Lodash library example

    import _ from 'lodash';

const array = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const doubled = _.map(array, (num) => num * 2);

console.log(doubled); // Output: [2, 4, 6, 8, 10]
  • immutable:

    immutable library example

    import { Map } from 'immutable';

const originalMap = Map({ key: 'value' });
const updatedMap = originalMap.set('key', 'newValue');

console.log(originalMap.get('key')); // Output: value
console.log(updatedMap.get('key')); // Output: newValue
  • underscore:

    Underscore library example

    import _ from 'underscore';

const array = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const doubled = _.map(array, (num) => num * 2);

console.log(doubled); // Output: [2, 4, 6, 8, 10]
  • ramda:

    Ramda library example

    import { map, multiply } from 'ramda';

const array = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];
const doubled = map(multiply(2), array);

console.log(doubled); // Output: [2, 4, 6, 8, 10]
How to Choose: lodash vs immutable vs underscore vs ramda
  • lodash:

    Choose lodash if you need a comprehensive utility library that provides a wide range of functions for manipulating arrays, objects, and strings. It is especially useful for projects that require performance optimization, as Lodash includes many functions that are more efficient than their native counterparts. Additionally, Lodash allows for modular imports, enabling you to include only the functions you need, which can help reduce bundle size.

  • immutable:

    Choose immutable if you need to work with persistent data structures that guarantee immutability, which helps prevent unintended side effects and makes your code more predictable. This is particularly useful in applications that rely on functional programming principles or require a high level of state management, such as React applications.

  • underscore:

    Choose underscore if you need a lightweight utility library that provides essential functions for working with arrays, objects, and functions. It is a good choice for projects that require a simple and straightforward library without the overhead of additional features. While it lacks some of the performance optimizations and modularity of Lodash, Underscore is still a reliable choice for basic utility functions.

  • ramda:

    Choose ramda if you prefer a functional programming approach and need a library that emphasizes immutability and pure functions. Ramda is designed to be curried and composable, making it easy to create reusable and highly modular code. It is ideal for projects that prioritize functional programming principles and require a library that encourages a more declarative coding style.

Similar Npm Packages to lodash

lodash is a widely-used utility library in JavaScript that provides a plethora of functions for common programming tasks, such as manipulating arrays, objects, and strings. It simplifies complex tasks and enhances productivity by offering a consistent and performant API. While lodash is a powerful tool for developers, there are several alternatives that also provide utility functions and functional programming capabilities. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • immutable is a library that provides immutable data structures for JavaScript. It allows developers to work with data in a way that prevents unintended mutations, making it easier to manage state in applications, especially in React. Immutable.js offers persistent data structures that are efficient and can help improve performance in applications that require frequent updates to state. If you are looking for a way to ensure immutability in your data handling, immutable is a strong choice.

  • ramda is a functional programming library for JavaScript that emphasizes a functional programming style. Unlike lodash, which is more focused on utility functions, ramda provides a suite of functions designed to work with functional programming paradigms, such as currying and composition. Ramda's approach allows for more declarative code and can lead to cleaner and more maintainable applications. If you prefer a functional programming style and want to leverage powerful functional utilities, ramda is an excellent alternative.

  • underscore is another utility library that provides a similar set of functions to lodash. It was one of the first utility libraries in JavaScript and laid the groundwork for many of the features that lodash later adopted. While lodash has since become more popular due to its performance optimizations and additional features, underscore remains a solid choice for developers who need basic utility functions without the overhead of a larger library. If you are looking for a lightweight alternative that covers the essentials, underscore may be suitable.

For a detailed comparison of these libraries, check out the following link: Comparing immutable vs lodash vs ramda vs underscore.

Similar Npm Packages to immutable

immutable is a popular JavaScript library that provides immutable data structures, allowing developers to work with data in a way that prevents accidental mutations. This is particularly useful in functional programming and state management, where immutability can help avoid side effects and make applications easier to reason about. While immutable offers robust solutions for managing immutable data, there are several alternatives in the ecosystem that also provide similar functionalities. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • immer is a library that allows developers to work with immutable state in a more intuitive way. It enables you to write code that looks like you're mutating state directly, while it actually produces a new immutable state behind the scenes. This makes it easier to manage complex state updates without sacrificing performance or readability. If you're looking for a way to simplify state management in applications while still maintaining immutability, immer is an excellent choice.
  • immutability-helper is another library designed to help manage immutable data structures. It provides a simple API for updating nested data structures without mutating them. With immutability-helper, you can easily apply updates to arrays and objects in a concise and readable manner. This library is particularly useful for React applications where you need to manage state updates in a predictable way while keeping the data immutable.
  • seamless-immutable is a lightweight library that provides immutable data structures with a focus on simplicity and performance. It allows you to create immutable objects and arrays that can be easily manipulated while ensuring that the original data remains unchanged. If you prefer a straightforward approach to immutability without the overhead of more complex libraries, seamless-immutable is a solid option.

To see how immutable compares with immer, immutability-helper, and seamless-immutable, check out the comparison: Comparing immer vs immutability-helper vs immutable vs seamless-immutable.

Similar Npm Packages to underscore

underscore is a popular JavaScript utility library that provides a wide range of functions for common programming tasks, including manipulating arrays, objects, and functions. It serves as a foundation for many other libraries and frameworks, offering a functional programming approach to JavaScript development. While underscore is widely used, there are several alternatives that provide similar or enhanced functionality. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • immutable is a library designed to create immutable data structures in JavaScript. It provides persistent data structures that enable developers to manage state without mutating the original data. This is particularly useful in functional programming and React applications, where immutability can lead to easier state management and improved performance. If your application requires a focus on immutability and you want to avoid side effects from data mutations, immutable is a strong choice.
  • lodash is a modern utility library that builds upon the concepts introduced by underscore, offering a more extensive set of functions and improved performance. It provides a rich set of methods for manipulating arrays, objects, strings, and more, while also supporting chaining and lazy evaluation. If you are looking for a comprehensive utility library with a large community and extensive documentation, lodash is an excellent alternative to underscore.
  • ramda is a functional programming library for JavaScript that emphasizes a point-free style and immutability. It provides a wide range of utility functions that are designed to work seamlessly with functional programming paradigms. If you prefer a more functional approach to programming and want to leverage currying and composition, ramda is a great choice for enhancing your JavaScript code.

To see how underscore compares with immutable, lodash, and ramda, check out the comparison: Comparing immutable vs lodash vs ramda vs underscore.

Similar Npm Packages to ramda

ramda is a functional programming library for JavaScript that emphasizes a declarative approach to coding. It provides a wide array of utility functions that are designed to work seamlessly with JavaScript's built-in data structures. One of the key features of Ramda is its focus on immutability and function composition, allowing developers to create more predictable and maintainable code. While Ramda is a powerful tool for functional programming, there are several alternatives that also provide utility functions for JavaScript development. Here are a few notable options:

  • immutable is a library that provides immutable data structures for JavaScript. It allows developers to work with collections, lists, and maps in an immutable way, which can help prevent unintended side effects in applications. Immutable.js is particularly useful in scenarios where performance and memory efficiency are critical, as it optimizes operations on large data sets. If your application requires a strong emphasis on immutability and performance, Immutable.js is an excellent choice.
  • lodash is a widely-used utility library that provides a rich set of functions for manipulating arrays, objects, and strings. It offers a mix of functional programming features and traditional imperative programming styles, making it versatile for various use cases. Lodash is known for its performance and ease of use, making it a go-to choice for many developers. If you need a comprehensive utility library that balances performance and functionality, Lodash is a solid option.
  • underscore is another utility library that provides a set of functions for common programming tasks, similar to Lodash. While it predates Lodash, it offers a more minimalistic approach to utility functions. Underscore focuses on providing functional programming helpers, but it may not be as feature-rich or performant as Lodash. If you are looking for a lightweight library with essential utility functions, Underscore can be a suitable choice.

To see how Ramda compares with Immutable, Lodash, and Underscore, check out the comparison: Comparing immutable vs lodash vs ramda vs underscore.

README for lodash

lodash v4.17.21

The Lodash library exported as Node.js modules.

Installation

Using npm:

$ npm i -g npm
$ npm i --save lodash

In Node.js:

// Load the full build.
var _ = require('lodash');
// Load the core build.
var _ = require('lodash/core');
// Load the FP build for immutable auto-curried iteratee-first data-last methods.
var fp = require('lodash/fp');

// Load method categories.
var array = require('lodash/array');
var object = require('lodash/fp/object');

// Cherry-pick methods for smaller browserify/rollup/webpack bundles.
var at = require('lodash/at');
var curryN = require('lodash/fp/curryN');

See the package source for more details.

Note:
Install n_ for Lodash use in the Node.js < 6 REPL.

Support

Tested in Chrome 74-75, Firefox 66-67, IE 11, Edge 18, Safari 11-12, & Node.js 8-12.
Automated browser & CI test runs are available.

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