JavaScript Utility Libraries Comparison
lodash vs immutable vs underscore vs ramda
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What's JavaScript Utility Libraries?

JavaScript utility libraries provide developers with a set of functions and tools that simplify common programming tasks, enhance code readability, and improve efficiency. These libraries often focus on data manipulation, functional programming, and performance optimization, allowing developers to write cleaner and more maintainable code. Each library has its unique features and design philosophies, catering to different development needs and preferences.

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lodash55,095,82659,960-1004 years agoMIT
immutable20,426,34732,976687 kB11924 days agoMIT
underscore12,567,19527,357906 kB505 months agoMIT
ramda11,472,03823,8521.18 MB1506 months agoMIT
Feature Comparison: lodash vs immutable vs underscore vs ramda

Immutability

  • lodash:

    Lodash does not enforce immutability but provides methods that can be used in an immutable style. It allows for mutable operations, which can be beneficial in scenarios where performance is prioritized over strict immutability.

  • immutable:

    Immutable.js provides persistent data structures that ensure data cannot be changed once created, promoting safer and more predictable code. This immutability helps prevent bugs related to unintended data mutations, especially in complex applications.

  • underscore:

    Underscore does not inherently support immutability, offering mutable operations that can lead to unintended side effects. It is more focused on providing utility functions rather than enforcing immutability.

  • ramda:

    Ramda is built around the concept of immutability and provides functions that do not mutate the original data structures. It encourages a functional programming approach, making it easier to reason about data transformations without side effects.

Functional Programming Support

  • lodash:

    Lodash provides some functional programming utilities but is not strictly a functional programming library. It includes functions for chaining and composing, making it easier to work with data in a functional style.

  • immutable:

    Immutable.js is not primarily a functional programming library, but its immutability aligns well with functional programming principles, allowing for safer function compositions and transformations.

  • underscore:

    Underscore includes some functional programming features but is less comprehensive than Ramda. It provides basic support for functional programming concepts but does not emphasize them as heavily.

  • ramda:

    Ramda is designed specifically for functional programming, offering a rich set of functions that support currying, composition, and point-free style. It encourages a functional approach to programming, making it ideal for developers who prioritize these paradigms.

Performance

  • lodash:

    Lodash is highly optimized for performance, with many functions designed to be faster than native JavaScript methods. It provides a variety of performance-focused utilities that can help improve the efficiency of data manipulation tasks.

  • immutable:

    Immutable.js is optimized for performance with its structural sharing technique, which allows for efficient updates without copying entire data structures. This can lead to significant performance improvements in applications that frequently update state.

  • underscore:

    Underscore is generally performant for basic utility functions but may not be as optimized as Lodash for more complex operations. It provides essential functions without the extensive performance enhancements found in Lodash.

  • ramda:

    Ramda's focus on immutability and functional programming can introduce some performance overhead compared to mutable libraries. However, its design encourages efficient data transformations when used correctly.

Modularity

  • lodash:

    Lodash is modular, allowing developers to import only the functions they need, which can reduce bundle size and improve performance. This modularity makes it a flexible choice for various projects.

  • immutable:

    Immutable.js is a single library focused on providing immutable data structures, which makes it less modular compared to others. It is a complete solution for immutability but does not offer a wide range of utility functions.

  • underscore:

    Underscore is less modular than Lodash and Ramda, providing a comprehensive set of utility functions in a single package. While it covers many use cases, it does not offer the same level of modularity.

  • ramda:

    Ramda is also modular, encouraging developers to import only the specific functions they require. This modular approach aligns with its functional programming philosophy, allowing for cleaner and more maintainable code.

Learning Curve

  • lodash:

    Lodash is relatively easy to learn, especially for those familiar with JavaScript. Its functions are straightforward and can be quickly integrated into projects, making it accessible for developers of all skill levels.

  • immutable:

    Immutable.js has a steeper learning curve due to its unique data structures and concepts of immutability. Developers may need to invest time in understanding how to effectively use these structures in their applications.

  • underscore:

    Underscore is easy to learn and provides a familiar set of utility functions for JavaScript developers. Its straightforward API makes it accessible for beginners.

  • ramda:

    Ramda's emphasis on functional programming may present a learning curve for developers not familiar with these concepts. However, once understood, it can lead to more expressive and maintainable code.

How to Choose: lodash vs immutable vs underscore vs ramda
  • lodash:

    Choose Lodash if you need a versatile utility library that provides a wide range of functions for manipulating arrays, objects, and strings. It is well-suited for general-purpose programming and offers a rich feature set with a focus on performance and modularity, allowing you to include only the functions you need.

  • immutable:

    Choose Immutable.js if your application requires a strong emphasis on immutability and you want to avoid unintended side effects from data mutations. It is particularly useful in applications where performance is critical, such as those using React, as it allows for efficient change detection and rendering.

  • underscore:

    Choose Underscore if you are looking for a lightweight utility library that provides essential functions for working with arrays, objects, and functions. It is a good choice for projects that require basic utility functions without the overhead of more extensive libraries, and it serves as a foundation for many other libraries.

  • ramda:

    Choose Ramda if you prefer a functional programming style and want to leverage currying and composition in your code. Ramda is designed for functional programming and emphasizes immutability and side-effect-free functions, making it ideal for projects that prioritize functional paradigms.

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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