Pros of vis

• More comprehensive library with additional components (Timeline, Graph2D, Graph3D)
• Longer development history and potentially more stable codebase
• Larger community and more extensive documentation

Cons of vis

• No longer actively maintained (last commit in 2019)
• Potentially outdated dependencies and compatibility issues
• Larger bundle size due to inclusion of multiple components

Code Comparison

vis-network:

var nodes = new vis.DataSet([
  {id: 1, label: 'Node 1'},
  {id: 2, label: 'Node 2'}
]);
var edges = new vis.DataSet([
  {from: 1, to: 2}
]);
var network = new vis.Network(container, {nodes: nodes, edges: edges}, options);

vis:

var nodes = new vis.DataSet([
  {id: 1, label: 'Node 1'},
  {id: 2, label: 'Node 2'}
]);
var edges = new vis.DataSet([
  {from: 1, to: 2}
]);
var network = new vis.Network(container, {nodes: nodes, edges: edges}, options);

The code for creating a basic network is identical in both libraries, as vis-network is a focused subset of the larger vis library. The main difference lies in the import statements and available features rather than the core network creation syntax.

Pros of Cytoscape.js

• More extensive graph theory algorithms and analysis capabilities
• Better performance for large-scale networks (10,000+ nodes)
• More flexible styling options and customization

Cons of Cytoscape.js

• Steeper learning curve due to more complex API
• Less intuitive for simple network visualizations
• Requires more setup and configuration for basic use cases

Code Comparison

Vis-Network:

var nodes = new vis.DataSet([
  {id: 1, label: 'Node 1'},
  {id: 2, label: 'Node 2'}
]);
var edges = new vis.DataSet([{from: 1, to: 2}]);
var container = document.getElementById('mynetwork');
var data = {nodes: nodes, edges: edges};
var network = new vis.Network(container, data, options);

Cytoscape.js:

var cy = cytoscape({
  container: document.getElementById('cy'),
  elements: [
    { data: { id: 'a' } },
    { data: { id: 'b' } },
    { data: { id: 'ab', source: 'a', target: 'b' } }
  ],
  style: [ /* ... */ ],
  layout: { name: 'grid' }
});

Both libraries offer powerful network visualization capabilities, but Cytoscape.js provides more advanced features for complex graph analysis and large-scale networks, while Vis-Network is generally easier to use for simpler visualizations. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of your project.

Pros of force-graph

• Lightweight and focused solely on force-directed graphs
• Supports 3D rendering out of the box
• Easier to customize and extend with modular architecture

Cons of force-graph

• Less comprehensive documentation compared to vis-network
• Fewer built-in layout algorithms and customization options
• Smaller community and ecosystem

Code Comparison

vis-network:

var nodes = new vis.DataSet([
  { id: 1, label: 'Node 1' },
  { id: 2, label: 'Node 2' }
]);
var edges = new vis.DataSet([
  { from: 1, to: 2 }
]);
var network = new vis.Network(container, { nodes, edges }, options);

force-graph:

const Graph = ForceGraph()
  .graphData({
    nodes: [{ id: 1 }, { id: 2 }],
    links: [{ source: 1, target: 2 }]
  })
  .nodeLabel('id')
  (document.getElementById('graph'));

Both libraries offer straightforward ways to create and render graphs, but force-graph's API is more concise and functional. vis-network provides more granular control over data management with its DataSet objects, while force-graph focuses on a simpler, more declarative approach to graph creation and manipulation.

Pros of dagre

• Specialized in directed graph layouts, offering efficient algorithms for hierarchical structures
• Lightweight and focused, making it easier to integrate into existing projects
• Better performance for large, complex graphs with many nodes and edges

Cons of dagre

• Limited built-in styling options compared to vis-network's extensive customization
• Lacks interactive features like zooming, panning, and drag-and-drop functionality
• Requires additional libraries for rendering, as it only handles layout calculations

Code Comparison

vis-network example:

var nodes = new vis.DataSet([
  {id: 1, label: 'Node 1'},
  {id: 2, label: 'Node 2'},
]);
var edges = new vis.DataSet([{from: 1, to: 2}]);
var container = document.getElementById('mynetwork');
var data = {nodes: nodes, edges: edges};
var options = {};
var network = new vis.Network(container, data, options);

dagre example:

var g = new dagre.graphlib.Graph();
g.setNode("1", { label: "Node 1" });
g.setNode("2", { label: "Node 2" });
g.setEdge("1", "2");
dagre.layout(g);
// Additional rendering code required

Pros of G6

• More extensive and customizable graph visualization options
• Better performance for large-scale graphs
• Active development with frequent updates and new features

Cons of G6

• Steeper learning curve due to more complex API
• Less comprehensive documentation in English
• Smaller community compared to vis-network

Code Comparison

vis-network:

var nodes = new vis.DataSet([
  {id: 1, label: 'Node 1'},
  {id: 2, label: 'Node 2'}
]);
var edges = new vis.DataSet([
  {from: 1, to: 2}
]);
var network = new vis.Network(container, {nodes: nodes, edges: edges}, options);

G6:

const graph = new G6.Graph({
  container: 'mountNode',
  width: 800,
  height: 600,
});
graph.data({
  nodes: [{id: 'node1'}, {id: 'node2'}],
  edges: [{source: 'node1', target: 'node2'}]
});
graph.render();

Both libraries offer graph visualization capabilities, but G6 provides more advanced features and better performance for complex graphs. vis-network has a simpler API and may be easier for beginners. G6 excels in customization and large-scale graph rendering, while vis-network has more extensive English documentation and a larger community. The choice between them depends on project requirements and developer expertise.

Pros of sigma.js

• Lightweight and focused on performance, especially for large-scale graphs
• Highly customizable rendering engine with WebGL support
• Extensive plugin system for adding features and functionality

Cons of sigma.js

• Less built-in layout algorithms compared to vis-network
• Steeper learning curve for beginners due to its low-level API
• Fewer out-of-the-box interactive features

Code Comparison

sigma.js:

const s = new Sigma({
  graph: {
    nodes: [{ id: "n1" }, { id: "n2" }],
    edges: [{ id: "e1", source: "n1", target: "n2" }]
  },
  container: 'graph-container'
});

vis-network:

const nodes = new DataSet([{ id: 1 }, { id: 2 }]);
const edges = new DataSet([{ from: 1, to: 2 }]);
const network = new Network(container, { nodes, edges }, options);

Both libraries offer powerful graph visualization capabilities, but sigma.js focuses on performance and customization for large-scale graphs, while vis-network provides more built-in features and a gentler learning curve for simpler use cases.