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JavaScript FAQs

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Is WebAssembly required for performance in JS — and what are the trade-offs?

WebAssembly is not required for performance in JavaScript. It is possible to use just WebGL, although this has advantages and disadvantages. Disadvantages include making it more difficult to set up a project, however, advantages can include faster calculations in WebAssembly and JavaScript.
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Does your JavaScript chart library support server-side rendering or headless export?

As we use WebGL, SciChart requires a browser to run. However, it is possible to run it on the server using tools such as Playwright or Puppeteer. A browser is still required however.
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Can charts update in real-time from a WebSocket or API feed?

It is possible to connect a chart from any data source or real-time API. Our JavaScript chart library is reactive so when you update a property it will automatically redraw. No need to do anything else.
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Does your JavaScript chart library work well with React, Angular, or Vue?

Yes—SciChart.js works within any JavaScript framework including React, Angular and Vue. React has a wrapper so it makes it even easier to use.
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Can I fully customize the chart’s look and behavior?

JavaScript chart customizations enable you to change the design, interactivity, and behavior. With SciChart, you can easily change the colors of the chart, background, axis, labels, and tooltips. You can also create your own customizations and behaviors—something that not many JavaScript chart libraries offer.
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Can I create interactive dashboards or multi-pane layouts?

Yes—SciChart can do multi-pane layouts and includes APIs to synchronize multiple charts. Putting many charts on one page and creating an interactive dashboard is also possible. We have a sub-charts API for rendering multiple charts in a performant way.
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What’s the learning curve like for someone new to data visualization?

Simple JavaScript charts are easy. The ability to customize and build more complex, high performance charts means developers need to learn more about APIs which may take a bit more time. However, this enables enhanced performance and flexibility for your data visualizations. We have hundreds of examples, thousands of documentation and a responsive forum to support getting started with us.
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What are the key differences between D3.js, Chart.js, Highcharts, Plotly, etc.?

D3.js is an SVG based chart library. Meanwhile, Chart.js, Highcharts and Plotly uses Canvas 2D for charts which works sufficiently for 10,000 data points, but above this it gets slower and when reaching 100,000 it is unusable. In some scenarios, Highcharts has the option to use hardware acceleration, known as a boost module, but not across all use cases. For projects that require high-performance for over 10,000 data points, a hardware accelerated WebGL, like SciChart is recommended.
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How to create dynamic JavaScript charts using SciChart.js?

When changing data or styling properties, the SciChart.js library updates reactively, which makes it super easy to create dynamic JavaScript charts.
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How to create a chart in JavaScript using SciChart?

SciChart provides extensive resources like documentation, examples, tutorials, and a forum to support developers in building JavaScript charts from scratch, from basic types to complex visualizations with millions of data points. Tutorials, including video and written guides, help beginners get started quickly, while comprehensive documentation and numerous examples, with source code on GitHub, cater to more experienced users. The API documentation details properties for full customization, and it’s useful to know that SciChart supports TypeScript for enhanced development. A responsive developer support team and active community forum offer assistance, so if your developers ever get stuck, they have the support they need.
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How secure is SciChart.js?

We offer secure coding and data processing practices in line with GDPR, HIPAA and CRA. For more information about how we help keep your data rendering compliant and secure, visit our dedicated SciChart security page.
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How often is your JavaScript chart library updated?

We regularly update our software to provide even more data visualization possibilities while also fixing bugs. You’ll always find these updates posted in our JavaScript changelog.

Still have questions?

Please explore our other FAQs or speak to our team

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Steven I
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Without doubt, the best charting library I have ever used. The examples suite is comprehensive to easily get you started coding on a new project. The sales & technical support staff are always responsible and eager to help. Chart customisation is extensive and rendering speed is quick.
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Chris Kirkman
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This is an incredible product. First it's the best chart I've had customers compliment how great the charting parts of our application look/behave. I couldn't recommend this product anymore than I already do. SciChart really hit the mark. I wish all software products could be this easy to use and be so productive (not to mention blazing fast).
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Mete Alinc
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This is a wonderful tool for developers who need highly customizable and fast charting in 2D or 3D. I did a comprehensive market research in terms of what kind of charting I have to use for a commercial app. I've come to the conclusion that SciChart is simply the best charting framework out there meeting our needs. Keep up the good and quality work!
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Jack L
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SciChart has always provided timely and expert support for an already superb product. The WPF charting solution is at the heart of our user interface. We are an extremely satisfied, long term customer.
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Miles
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Andrew and the team were amazing bringing me up to speed with the SciChart platform. Their tech support is great, and the product is even better.
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Steve
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We have been coding Technical Analysis software for 16 years and during that time have tried most charting modules on the market. SciChart is by far the best, not only for features, speed and reliability, but their support has been above and beyond anything else we’ve experienced.
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Dan W
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The product is very fast and flexible. As a coder, I have been able to make it do everything I want - and more! When I have issues, their support team is extremely responsive. I’ve never waited more than a few hours to get a response from them. SciChart is a really beautiful product. Coupled with its performance, it helps me create a very appealing solution for our customers.
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Sander G
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SciChart is flexible and reliable, just the component we need. We try to tweak the look and feel of the graphs to some extremes, all made possible by SciChart. Support is fast, not just a standard reply but usually a useful answer within a day. For more complex requests they really work with you to get it working.