D3.js vs Dashboards by Keen IO vs Highcharts: What are the differences?
<!-- Introduction -->
D3.js, Dashboards by Keen IO, and Highcharts are popular data visualization tools used by developers. Below are the key differences between D3.js and Dashboards by Keen IO and Highcharts.
1. **Programming Style**: D3.js is more of a library that allows for greater customization and control over the visualization process through a low-level approach, while Dashboards by Keen IO and Highcharts offer more high-level, ready-to-use components for quickly building dashboards without deep knowledge of programming.
2. **Learning Curve**: D3.js has a steep learning curve due to its low-level functionality, requiring users to have a strong understanding of JavaScript and data visualization concepts. On the other hand, Dashboards by Keen IO and Highcharts have a shorter learning curve, making it easier for beginners to create interactive visualizations.
3. **Community and Support**: D3.js has a large and active community with extensive documentation and resources available online. As for Dashboards by Keen IO, it has a smaller community but offers personalized support for users. Highcharts, on the other hand, has a strong community and provides comprehensive support through forums, documentation, and customer service.
4. **Compatibility and Integration**: D3.js is highly versatile and can be integrated with various libraries, frameworks, and data sources, offering flexibility in usage. On the contrary, Dashboards by Keen IO is designed for seamless integration with Keen IO's data analytics platform, allowing for easy data management and visualization. Highcharts provides good compatibility with jQuery, Angular, React, and Node.js, making it suitable for various web development environments.
5. **Chart Types and Customization**: D3.js offers a wide range of customization options and supports an extensive variety of chart types, enabling users to create complex and unique visualizations. Dashboards by Keen IO and Highcharts provide a predefined set of chart types and styles, limiting the level of customization available to users but ensuring consistent and visually appealing designs.
In Summary, D3.js offers a high level of customization and control but comes with a steep learning curve, while Dashboards by Keen IO and Highcharts provide ready-to-use components with easier integration and support. Each tool caters to different needs based on the level of expertise and requirements of the project.