Websites using C3js

Okay, let s break down C3.js, covering its purpose, revenue (or lack thereof, as it s open-source), alternatives, pricing (again, mostly free), and customer care (community-driven).

What is C3.js?

• Purpose: C3.js is a JavaScript library that makes it easier to create beautiful, interactive charts and graphs using D3.js. Think of it as a higher-level abstraction over D3.js. While D3.js provides powerful low-level control, C3.js offers a simpler API for common chart types. It is open source and free.

• Key Features:

  • Simple API: Easier to learn and use than raw D3.js.
  • Based on D3.js: Leverages the power and flexibility of D3.js under the hood.
  • Various Chart Types: Supports common chart types like line charts, bar charts, pie charts, scatter plots, and more.
  • Customizable: Offers options to customize the appearance and behavior of charts.
  • Responsive: Charts can adapt to different screen sizes.
  • Interactive: Supports tooltips, zooming, and other interactive features.
  • Real-time updates: You can update the graph with fresh data in real-time.

Revenue:

• C3.js is an open-source project. This means it does not generate revenue directly. It s typically maintained by individual contributors or through sponsorship/funding of the maintainers (which is not directly tied to C3.js itself as a product).

• Open-source projects like C3.js are often supported by donations, sponsorships from companies that use the library, or through the maintainers other professional activities (e.g., consulting or training related to data visualization).

Alternatives to C3.js:

Here s a list of popular charting libraries, categorized for clarity:

• Based on D3.js:

  • NVD3.js: Another library built on D3.js, offering a wider range of pre-built chart types. However, it s less actively maintained than C3.js.
  • Billboard.js: Developed by the same author as C3.js, it s intended to be a successor with improved modularity and maintainability. It s a good direct alternative.
  • Plotly.js: A comprehensive charting library that can also be used with D3.js, offering a wider range of chart types and features. It can be more complex to set up than C3.js.

• Not based on D3.js (more independent):

  • Chart.js: Very popular and easy to use, based on HTML5 Canvas. A great choice for simple charts and good performance. Less customizable than D3.js-based libraries.
  • ApexCharts.js: Modern charting library with a focus on aesthetics and ease of use. Offers a wide variety of chart types and customization options.
  • Google Charts: A cloud-based charting service that s easy to embed in web pages. Relies on Google s infrastructure.
  • ECharts: A powerful and feature-rich charting library developed by Baidu. Good for complex visualizations and has excellent mobile support.

When to Choose C3.js vs. Alternatives:

• Choose C3.js when:

  • You need a simple, easy-to-use library for common chart types.
  • You want the power and flexibility of D3.js without the complexity of writing D3.js code directly.
  • You value a well-documented and actively maintained library.
  • You already know D3.js or want to learn it indirectly.
  • You need real-time updates.

• Consider other libraries when:

  • You need a very specific or unusual chart type not supported by C3.js. (Plotly.js, ECharts)
  • You prioritize ease of setup and a gentle learning curve above all else. (Chart.js, Google Charts)
  • You need extremely high performance and are willing to sacrifice some customization options. (Chart.js)
  • You are looking for very aesthetic modern charts out of the box (ApexCharts)
  • You want a more actively maintained direct successor (Billboard.js).

Pricing:

• C3.js is free and open-source under the MIT License. This means you can use it for personal and commercial projects without paying any licensing fees.

Customer Care (Support):

• Since C3.js is open-source, there is no dedicated customer care team in the traditional sense. Support comes from the community:

  • GitHub Repository: The main source of support is the GitHub repository. You can:
    • Report bugs: Submit issues if you find problems with the library.
    • Suggest features: Propose new features or improvements.
    • Ask questions: Seek help from other users and contributors.
    • View the code: Inspect the code and contribute fixes or enhancements.
  • Stack Overflow: Search for C3.js-related questions and answers on Stack Overflow.
  • Community Forums/Groups: There might be online forums or groups dedicated to D3.js and related libraries where you can find help. However, there isn t a single official C3.js forum.
  • Documentation: The official C3.js documentation is a valuable resource for learning how to use the library.

In summary: C3.js is a great choice for creating interactive charts based on D3.js with a simpler API. It s free and open-source, but support is community-driven. Consider alternatives if you have very specific charting needs, prioritize ease of use above all else, or want a library with formal commercial support. Billboard.js is a great direct alternative as it s actively maintained by the original author.