C3.js vs D3.js vs Highcharts: What are the differences?

C3.js, D3.js, and Highcharts are all popular JavaScript libraries used for creating interactive and visually appealing charts and graphs on websites. While they serve the same purpose, there are some key differences between them that make each library unique and suitable for different types of projects.

1. Programming Paradigm: C3.js and Highcharts both follow a higher-level, declarative programming approach, where you define the desired output and the library handles the underlying implementation details. On the other hand, D3.js is a low-level, imperative library that provides complete control over every aspect of the visualization, making it more suitable for complex and customized visualizations.

2. Learning Curve: D3.js has a steeper learning curve compared to C3.js and Highcharts. Since D3.js provides lower-level control and more flexibility, it requires a stronger understanding of JavaScript and SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) concepts. C3.js and Highcharts, on the other hand, abstract away much of the complexity, allowing developers to create charts and graphs with less effort.

3. Community and Documentation: D3.js has a large and active community, which means that finding resources, examples, and support is relatively easier. The community also contributes to the extensive documentation available for D3.js. C3.js and Highcharts also have a decent community support and documentation, but they may not be as comprehensive as D3.js.

4. Chart Types and Customization: D3.js offers the most extensive range of chart types and customization options among the three libraries. With D3.js, you can create virtually any type of chart or graph and have complete control over its appearance and behavior. C3.js and Highcharts have a wide variety of pre-built chart types and customization options, but they may have some limitations when it comes to complex visualization requirements.

5. Interactivity and Animation: D3.js provides powerful interactivity and animation capabilities, allowing for smooth transitions and dynamic updates in the visualization. C3.js and Highcharts also offer interactivity and animation features, but they may have slightly fewer options and flexibility compared to D3.js.

6. License and Pricing: C3.js and D3.js are open-source libraries released under the MIT license, making them free to use for both personal and commercial projects. Highcharts, on the other hand, is a commercial library that offers a free version for non-commercial use, but requires a paid license for commercial projects.

In Summary, C3.js and Highcharts provide a higher-level, declarative approach for creating charts and graphs with less complexity and effort, while D3.js offers a lower-level, imperative approach that provides more control and flexibility at the cost of a steeper learning curve.