Plotly Dash vs Matplotlib: Which is Better for Data Visualization?

What are the main differences between Plotly Dash and Matplotlib?

Plotly Dash is an interactive web application framework, while Matplotlib is primarily for static plots. Dash allows for dynamic visualizations and user interactions, whereas Matplotlib focuses on creating high-quality static graphs.

Which one is better for creating interactive dashboards?

Plotly Dash is specifically designed for creating interactive dashboards, making it the better choice for that purpose. Matplotlib can create interactive plots, but it requires additional libraries and is not as straightforward.

Can I use Matplotlib for web applications?

Yes, you can use Matplotlib in web applications, but it typically requires converting plots to images or using frameworks like Flask to serve them. Dash is more suited for web applications with built-in interactivity.

What are some use cases for each library?

Matplotlib is great for academic and scientific visualizations, while Plotly Dash is ideal for business dashboards and data-driven web applications.