Question 1

Plotly.js vs Chart.js: which is better for simple web dashboards?

Accepted Answer

Plotly.js is better for complex, interactive charts and 3D visualizations, while Chart.js is lighter and simpler for basic charts. Plotly.js offers more customization but has a larger bundle size, so choose based on project complexity.

Question 2

How to make Plotly.js charts responsive on mobile devices?

Accepted Answer

Use the layout 'autosize' property or set specific width and height percentages in the configuration. Plotly.js automatically adjusts to container size, but for fine control, refer to the documentation on responsive design.

Question 3

Can Plotly.js handle real-time data streaming efficiently?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through its 'restyle' and 'relayout' methods for updating charts dynamically. However, performance may degrade with very high-frequency updates or large datasets, so optimize by batching changes.

Question 4

How to export Plotly.js charts to PDF or images?

Accepted Answer

Use Plotly.js's built-in 'Plotly.toImage' or 'Plotly.downloadImage' methods to generate static images. For PDFs, integrate with server-side tools or libraries that convert SVG/PNG outputs.

Question 5

What are common performance issues with Plotly.js and large datasets?

Accepted Answer

WebGL rendering can strain resources on low-end devices, and bundle size impacts load times. Use partial bundles, limit active graphs, and consider data aggregation to mitigate performance hits.

Question 6

How to integrate Plotly.js with React without conflicts?

Accepted Answer

Wrap Plotly.js charts in React components using lifecycle methods or hooks like useEffect to manage DOM updates. Libraries like react-plotly.js provide pre-built components for easier integration.

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