Drag-and-Drop Libraries Comparison
react-dnd vs sortablejs vs vuedraggable
1 Year
react-dndsortablejsvuedraggableSimilar Packages:
What's Drag-and-Drop Libraries?

Drag-and-drop libraries provide developers with the tools to implement drag-and-drop functionality in web applications, enhancing user interaction and experience. These libraries simplify the process of creating draggable elements, managing their state, and handling events associated with dragging and dropping. They allow for intuitive UI designs where users can easily rearrange items, making them essential for applications like task boards, file uploads, and galleries. Each library has its unique features and design philosophies, catering to different frameworks and use cases.

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react-dnd2,122,06521,106231 kB457-MIT
sortablejs1,673,15029,835641 kB48314 days agoMIT
vuedraggable742,97820,210-2844 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: react-dnd vs sortablejs vs vuedraggable

Framework Compatibility

  • react-dnd:

    React DnD is specifically designed for React applications, leveraging React's component-based architecture to provide a seamless drag-and-drop experience. It allows for deep integration with React's state management and lifecycle methods, making it ideal for complex UIs.

  • sortablejs:

    SortableJS is framework-agnostic and can be used with any JavaScript framework or vanilla JavaScript. It provides a simple API that can be easily integrated into various projects, making it versatile for developers who work across different frameworks.

  • vuedraggable:

    VueDraggable is tailored for Vue.js applications, utilizing Vue's reactivity system to manage the state of draggable elements. It simplifies the implementation of drag-and-drop features while adhering to Vue's design principles, ensuring a smooth developer experience.

Customizability

  • react-dnd:

    React DnD offers extensive customizability, allowing developers to define their own drag-and-drop behaviors, including custom drag previews, drop targets, and handling of complex interactions. This makes it suitable for applications with unique requirements.

  • sortablejs:

    SortableJS provides a range of options for customization, including animations, drag handles, and sorting algorithms. However, it may not offer the same level of flexibility as React DnD for complex interactions.

  • vuedraggable:

    VueDraggable allows for customization through Vue's props and events, enabling developers to easily modify the behavior of draggable items. While it may not be as flexible as React DnD, it provides sufficient options for most use cases.

Performance

  • react-dnd:

    React DnD is optimized for performance within React applications, utilizing React's reconciliation algorithm to minimize unnecessary re-renders. However, developers need to be mindful of performance when implementing complex drag-and-drop scenarios with many items.

  • sortablejs:

    SortableJS is lightweight and designed for high performance, making it suitable for applications with large lists or grids. It efficiently handles DOM manipulations and provides smooth animations during drag-and-drop operations.

  • vuedraggable:

    VueDraggable is built on top of SortableJS, inheriting its performance characteristics while ensuring that it works well within Vue's reactivity system. It is efficient for most use cases, but performance may vary depending on the complexity of the Vue components.

Ease of Use

  • react-dnd:

    React DnD has a steeper learning curve compared to other libraries due to its powerful API and the need to understand React's component lifecycle. However, once mastered, it provides a robust solution for complex drag-and-drop interfaces.

  • sortablejs:

    SortableJS is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible for developers of all skill levels. Its straightforward API allows for quick implementation of drag-and-drop functionality with minimal setup.

  • vuedraggable:

    VueDraggable is designed to be easy to use for Vue developers, providing a simple API that integrates well with Vue's component structure. It is beginner-friendly and allows for quick implementation of drag-and-drop features.

Community and Support

  • react-dnd:

    React DnD has a strong community and is well-documented, providing ample resources for developers. Its popularity within the React ecosystem ensures ongoing support and updates.

  • sortablejs:

    SortableJS has a growing community and good documentation, but it may not have as extensive resources as React DnD. However, its simplicity makes it easy to find solutions to common issues.

  • vuedraggable:

    VueDraggable benefits from the vibrant Vue.js community, offering good documentation and support. It is actively maintained and has a dedicated user base, ensuring that developers can find help when needed.

How to Choose: react-dnd vs sortablejs vs vuedraggable
  • react-dnd:

    Choose React DnD if you are building a React application and need a highly customizable drag-and-drop solution that integrates seamlessly with React's component lifecycle. It provides a powerful API for complex drag-and-drop interfaces, supporting nested drag sources and drop targets.

  • sortablejs:

    Choose SortableJS if you need a lightweight, framework-agnostic library that offers a simple and efficient way to create sortable lists and grids. It is ideal for projects that require minimal setup and configuration, and it supports touch devices out of the box.

  • vuedraggable:

    Choose VueDraggable if you are working with Vue.js and want a straightforward way to implement drag-and-drop functionality with a focus on Vue's reactivity system. It provides a simple API and integrates well with Vue's component structure, making it easy to manage state changes.

README for react-dnd

npm version npm downloads Build Status

React DnD

Drag and Drop for React.

See the docs, tutorials and examples on the website:

http://react-dnd.github.io/react-dnd/

See the changelog on the Releases page:

https://github.com/react-dnd/react-dnd/releases

Big thanks to BrowserStack for letting the maintainers use their service to debug browser issues.