Top 7 PHP Libraries for Charts and Graphs

Data on the venture’s performance is the cornerstone of its growth and success. It shows where the venture is at the current point and where to direct it. Yet, the amount of such data can be overwhelming: countless numbers and rows of raw information can puzzle anyone.

Luckily, there is a solution. PHP graphing library is a convenient tool to give your text data an appealing visual look. It can assist you evaluate your enterprise and demonstrate the results. Whether it is for personal use, a presentation for stakeholders, or a demonstration for your clients -  PHP libraries for graphs and charting are the perfect tools to do the job.

Overview of PHP Chart and Graph Libraries

PHP is one of the main languages used in web development. PHP graphic libraries help visualize numerical and text data into accurate, engaging images. The libraries differ in scope, skill demand, and customization depth. When you find the right library for the task, you can see an engaging and informative data representation.

Advantages of Using PHP Libraries for Data Visualization

PHP libraries for charts and graphs are indispensable instruments in web projects. The libraries have well-documented APIs that make their usage more straightforward. They also come with built-in syntax to ease developers' work.

The libraries support different types of data images, such as bars, pillars, and pies, that can fit into many web design solutions.  

Why Choose PHP Chart & Graph Libraries?

Besides the direct visual appeal and ease of development, PHP libraries have practical usage aspects such as the following:

• Enhanced data visualization. Charts and graphs make raw information more accessible and more manageable for analysis. They help to detect patterns and derive beneficial conclusions.
• Better user engagement. PHP graph library is superior to raw numbers if you want to present data to your users or stakeholders. They are more compelling than raw numbers, and people who see them better understand the context of the provided data.
• Improved information communication and decision-making. Charts and graphs can also be used for internal purposes. If the data with which you work is too massive to convey by text, graphs can become a viable tool for such communication. When an enormous amount of data is represented via charts, it is easier to make an informed decision.

Why Data Visualization Matters?

People memorize visual information better than text. Therefore, if you wish to improve the quality of your service, engage your audience, or conduct an efficient analysis - visualized data is your primary tool to reach that objective.

Best PHP Chart and Graph Libraries  

The sheer amount of available libraries for charts and graphs can be daunting.  Which is the best? Which one will work with my project? Worry not. In the following section, we’ll explore the best options available so you can pick the most fitting library for your web project.

#1 pChart – Simplified Interactive Chart Creation

pChart is, arguably, the best chart library among PHP libraries. It works with a wide range of data types and offers deep customization of the visual elements. At the same time, it can be demanding for both computing resources and programming skills.  

Key Features of pChart

pChart has a wide selection of charts and graphs, including pies, pillars, lines, etc. As a result, you can choose the data type that fits your webpage the most.

pChart can also handle large datasets. Whether for internal use or professional presentation, it can visualize big-scale projects.

Finally, pChart offers flexible and deep customization. You can choose from a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes for your charts and graphs to give your data visualization a unique look.

Advantages

• Rich customization and versatility.
• Capability of work with big datasets.

Disadvantages

• Steep learning curve. Novice developers can struggle to work with pChart.
• Resource-demanding. The capability to work with large data sets and anti-aliased charts can strain the hardware.

#2 Chart.js

Chart.js stands out as a user-friendly and versatile tool for data visualization. It places accessibility as its core feature, making work with this library a breeze for both professional and novice developers.  

Key Features

Сhart.js supports animated and interactive graphs. With a wide selection of graphs and their customization, this library is a solid choice for making professional and engaging presentations.

Advantages

• Accessibility. Developers of any level can work with Chart.js and get impressive results.
• Responsiveness. Chart.js is a flexible and responsive library that adapts to any screen size.
• Dynamic animations.

Disadvantages

• Lover complexity. Chart.js can’t do complex and multi-level forms that other specialized libraries excel in.
• Poor optimization for larger datasets.

#3 Google Charts  

Google Charts is a PHP library from Google that combines versatility and availability. Its interconnection with other Google services and accessibility, even for novice-level developers, allows it to be used in many web projects.

Key Features  

Google charts are integrated with Google Sheets, which allows direct data transfer from the sheet to a web page. Besides, Google Charts supports real-time collaboration. This feature helps speed up the development process and get decent results faster.

Advantages  

• Accessible.
• Integration with Google Sheets
• Solid selection of visual elements.

Disadvantages

• Dependency from the Google Ecosystem. Projects outside of Google can be limited.
• Limited customization of the existing elements.

#4 phpChart 2.0

phpChart 2.0 is an advanced library for the server side that enables the creation of interactive, customizable charts.  

Key Features

Interactivity is the main feature of phpChart 2.0. It includes tooltips and click events to engage the viewer with the present charts. Also, the library is capable of dynamic chart updates that work through the AJAX technology. In addition to a wide selection of traditional graphs, phpChart 2.0 also supports 3D graphs and charts.

Advantages

• Deep and detailed customization.
• Tailored to work with big datasets.

Disadvantages

• Steep learning curve. PHP Chart 2.0 is not the best option for novice developers.
• Certain elements require additional configuration, which can prolong the development time.

#5 Cytoscape.js [Ideal for Line Charts]

Cytosapce.js is a library famous for its high-quality line charts. It is widely used for network visualization. Its chart generation feature creates visually competent and flexible charts for various purposes.

Key Features  

Cytoscape.js is the best charting library for presenting data through linear graphs. Charts generated by this library automatically adjust to the provided screen size.

Advantages  

• Dynamic data presentation that stands out among the competitors.
• Rich and detailed documentation that eases work with the library.

Disadvantages

• Some of the advanced functions and deeper customization require more time to master.
• The library shows significant performance drops when working with large data sets.

#6 Flot Charts [Ideal for Pie Charts]

As an alternative to the library that specializes in line charts, the Flot Charts library works best with pie and bar charts.  The library is based on jQuery and allows deep customization with a few interesting tweaks.  

Key Features

Flot Charst side scripts support animations and interactive elements. Flot Charts is an optimal choice if you want to create an appealing experience for your viewers. Besides, it also stands out in the effective handling of time-series data. This feature works well to demonstrate the evolution of chronological data or trends.

Advantages  

• Easy integration into web applications.
• Responsiveness.

Disadvantages

• The library struggles to represent complex charts that are not pies or bars.
• It has fewer customization options than competitors.

#7 Charts 4 PHP

Charts 4 PHP is a PHP library that combines accessibility with powerful customization and interactivity. The library connects to Oracle, MS SQL Server, and other databases that support PDO. Such flexibility allows the creation of visually appealing and dynamic charts in minutes instead of days.

Key Features  

Charts 4 PHP is a highly customizable and compatible library. Its user-friendly interface and detailed documentation allow the quick implementation of advanced features.

Advantages  

• Exceptional performance with large datasets.
• Detailed documentation and easy implementation methods.

Disadvantages

• It is less flexible than other libraries available on the market.

How to Select the Right PHP Chart & Graph Library

There is no ultimate PHP library that will cover all the possible scenarios. Each of them has pros and cons that work best for specific projects.

Take the following steps to determine what library you should choose for your project:

• Identify your needs. Clearly stated request is half of the work. Decide what purpose the visualization has: Do you want to present new data to someone? To make it an analysis resource? To support a report?
• Evaluate the amount of data. How much information does your project have? Can the library of your choice handle large data sets? Consider libraries that can handle such workload if you work with complex data and prolonged periods.
• Choose the library that fits the developer’s level. Plenty of libraries have user-friendly interfaces and are manageable for novice developers. If you are working with experts, you can choose from the libraries that offer deeper customization and more powerful solutions.
• Look for documentation. If you struggle between several good options, stick to the one with better documentation. It will speed up the development process and make it easier.

Steps to Implement a PHP Chart & Graph Library

Implementation includes a few simple steps:

1. Install the library of your choice with Composer or by downloading the necessary files.
2. Add the library files to the PHP project to gain access to its functionality.
3. Prepare your data sets for the visualization. Create necessary groups of data and structure them.
4. When all is set, use the library’s functionality to achieve desired results.

Final Thoughts

PHP libraries for graphs and charts are versatile tools for data visualization. There are plenty of solutions for various skill levels, data set sizes, and visual preferences. Whether you have a small business and want to make a promotional presentation or analyze big-scale data to predict future trends - PHP libraries can assist you with that task.

People recognize visual information better than text, and charts and graphs libraries bring raw text into something memorable and appealing. And if you need professional assistance with data visualization, we can provide our expertise. Contact our support team to learn all the necessary details.