9 Valuable Vanilla JavaScript Libraries Worth Checking Out

Writing code for every feature of your app can be challenging and time-consuming. A smart way to do the same is to look out for great JavaScript libraries that can help you implement the same set of features in less code and less time. These libraries not only save your valuable development time but also offer tried-and-tested solutions that makes your applications more maintainable.

In this article, we'll take a look at nine popular and useful vanilla JavaScript libraries that can help you create everything from spreadsheets and popups to image galleries and data visualizations. We'll also explore some data and social proof that highlight the popularity and usefulness of these libraries.

1. SheetJS

SheetJS is a powerful library that allows you to easily manipulate spreadsheets in JavaScript. It allows you to read, write and format data in spreadsheets programmatically.

With SheetJS, you can also create and modify tables and charts, as well as filter and sort data. This library is especially useful for projects that involve working with large amounts of data or creating reports and dashboards.

SheetJS stands at 3,000 weekly downloads on NPM and has over 32,000 stars on GitHub as of April 2023. It is also used by several high-profile companies like Google, Microsoft, Oracle and even US government websites.

2. Popper.js

Popper.js is a versatile library that helps you create popups and tooltips in your web applications. It attaches a tooltip or popup to a target element and can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Popper.js also provides a range of customization options, such as positioning, boundaries, and offsets. This library is ideal for projects that require user interaction, such as e-commerce websites and online forms.

Popper.js has a massive 11 million weekly download rate on NPM, and has over 25,000 stars on GitHub as of April 2023. It is also used by several popular websites, including Atlassian, Microsoft, and Uber.

3. PhotoSwipe

PhotoSwipe is a powerful JavaScript library that allows you to create responsive image galleries. With PhotoSwipe, you can create galleries that work well on both desktop and mobile devices, and that allow users to swipe between images. This library is perfect for projects that involve showcasing visual content, such as portfolios and online galleries.

PhotoSwipe has over 150,000 weekly downloads in NPM, and has over 16,000 stars on GitHub as of April 2023.

4. Rellax

Rellax is a unique library that allows you to create parallax scrolling effects in your web applications. With Rellax, you can create animations that respond to the user's scrolling, and that add visual interest and depth to your pages. This library is great for projects that require engaging and interactive user interfaces, such as landing pages and product demos.

Rellax has been downloaded over 15,500 times in the past week, according to the NPM registry, and has over 6,000 stars on GitHub as of April 2023.

5. Revealjs

Revealjs is a powerful library that allows you to create slide-based presentations in HTML and JavaScript. With Revealjs, you can create dynamic and interactive presentations that work well on both desktop and mobile devices. This library is ideal for projects that involve sharing information and ideas in an engaging and interactive way, such as conferences and training sessions.

Revealjs has over 63,000 stars on GitHub as of April 2023.

6. Filepond

Filepond is a versatile library that allows you to create file upload widgets in your web applications. With Filepond, you can create drag-and-drop file upload interfaces, and easily handle file uploads in JavaScript. This library is perfect for projects that require users to upload files, such as online forms and file-sharing platforms.

Filepond has been downloaded over 90,000 times in the past week, according to the NPM registry, and has over 13,000 stars on GitHub as of April 2023.

7. Progressively

Progressively is a unique library that allows you to create progressive image loading effects in your web applications. With Progressively, you can create images that load gradually, providing a smoother and more seamless user experience. This library is perfect for projects that require large images, such as online galleries and portfolios.

Progressively has been downloaded over 400 times in the past week on NPM and has over 700 stars on GitHub.

8. roughViz

roughViz is a powerful library that allows you to create hand-drawn styled data visualizations in JavaScript. With roughViz, you can create a range of chart types, including bar charts, line charts, and scatterplots, and customize the look and feel of your charts according to the available filters.

According to the NPM registry, roughViz has 300 weekly downloads and has over 6,500 stars on GitHub.

9. ToastUI Calendar

ToastUI Calendar is a powerful and flexible calendar library for JavaScript applications. It allows developers to create responsive and feature-rich calendars with a modern look and feel. The library supports various calendar views, including monthly, weekly, daily, and customizable time grids. It also offers built-in event management and drag-and-drop capabilities.

ToastUI calendar has more than 4,500 weekly downloads on NPM and more than 10K stars on GitHub as of April 2023.

Conclusion

These nine vanilla JavaScript libraries have various popularity levels among developers. They offer a range of functionalities that can help simplify your web development projects. The social proof demonstrated through their downloads and star counts on NPM and GitHub shows their popularity and usefulness.

Some of these libraries have even been adopted by well-known companies and organizations, which further emphasizes their reliability and efficacy. Incorporating these libraries into your projects can help you achieve your goals faster and create exceptional user experiences.

Happy Coding!