d3-viz adoption decision

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SKILL.md excerpt

SKILL.md

When to use d3.js

Use d3.js for:

• Custom visualisations requiring unique visual encodings or layouts
• Interactive explorations with complex pan, zoom, or brush behaviours
• Network/graph visualisations (force-directed layouts, tree diagrams, hierarchies, chord diagrams)
• Geographic visualisations with custom projections
• Visualisations requiring smooth, choreographed transitions
• Publication-quality graphics with fine-grained styling control
• Novel chart types not available in standard libraries

Consider alternatives for:

• 3D visualisations - use Three.js instead

Core workflow

1. Set up d3.js

Import d3 at the top of your script:

import * as d3 from 'd3';

Or use the CDN version (7.x):

<script src="https://d3js.org/d3.v7.min.js"></script>

All modules (scales, axes, shapes, transitions, etc.) are accessible through the d3 namespace.

2. Choose the integration pattern

Pattern A: Direct DOM manipulation (recommended for most cases)

Use d3 to select DOM elements and manipulate them imperatively. This works in any JavaScript environment:

function drawChart(data) {
  if (!data || data.length === 0) return;

  const svg = d3.select('#chart'); // Select by ID, class, or DOM element

  // Clear previous content
  svg.selectAll("*").remove();

  // Set up dimensions
  const width = 800;
  const height = 400;
  const margin = { top: 20, right: 30, bottom: 40, left: 50 };

  // Create scales, axes, and draw visualisation
  // ... d3 code here ...
}

// Call when data changes
drawChart(myData);

Pattern B: Declarative rendering (for frameworks with templating)

Use d3 for data calculations (scales, layouts) but render elements via your framework:

function getChartElements(data) {
  const xScale = d3.scaleLinear()
    .domain([0, d3.max(data, d => d.value)])
    .range([0, 400]);

  return data.map((d, i) => ({
    x: 50,
    y: i * 30,
    width: xScale(d.value),
    height: 25
  }));
}

// In React: {getChartElements(data).map((d, i) => <rect key={i} {...d} fill="steelblue" />)}
// In Vue: v-for directive over the returned array
// In vanilla JS: Create elements manually from the returned data

Use Pattern A for complex visualisations with transitions, interactions, or when leveraging d3's full capabilities. Use Pattern B for simpler visualisations or when your framework prefers declarative rendering.

3. Structure the visualisation code

Follow this standard structure in your drawing function:

function drawVisualization(data) {
  if (!data || data.length === 0) return;

  const svg = d3.select('#chart'); // Or pass a selector/element
  svg.selectAll("*").remove(); // Clear previous render

  // 1. Define dimensions
  const width = 800;
  const height = 400;
  const margin = { top: 20, right: 30, bottom: 40, left: 50 };
  const innerWidth = width - margin.left - margin.right;
  const innerHeight = height - margin.top - margin.bottom;

  // 2. Create main group with margins
  const g = svg.append("g")
    .attr("transform", `translate(${margin.left},${margin.top})`);

  // 3. Create scales
  const xScale = d3.scaleLinear()
    .domain([0, d3.max(data, d => d.x)])
    .range([0, innerWidth]);

  const yScale = d3.scaleLinear()
    .domain([0, d3.max(data, d => d.y)])