xy
Ultra-fast and customizable Python charts
What is it?
What it is
A fast, interactive Python charting library for web, notebooks, and static exports, capable of rendering up to 100 million points efficiently.
Why it exists
To provide a flexible, high-performance charting solution for Python users handling everything from everyday plots to large datasets and custom visualizations.
Who should use it
Python developersData scientistsData analystsWeb application developers using ReflexResearchers working with large-scale datasets
Who should avoid it
Users requiring a stable production-ready library (currently in alpha)Users who do not use Python
How it works
A quick walkthrough in plain English
How xy works
Step 1 of 3
You interact with it
Open xy, send a request, or connect it to your stack.
Features
Advantages
- Near‑constant render time across 10 k–100 M points (≈0.07‑0.08 s)
- Low Python‑side memory footprint (scales to ~2.6 GiB for 100 M points)
- Fast interactive response due to Rust‑core computation and binary payloads
- Exact data returned on hover/selection even after aggregation
- Simple installation via pip/uv
- Matplotlib‑like drop‑in replacement for existing code
- Active development with frequent enhancements
- Open‑source Apache‑2.0 license
Disadvantages
- Currently in alpha; API may change
- Not all matplotlib features are implemented yet
- Limited chart types compared to mature libraries (roadmap ongoing)
- Requires Rust toolchain for building from source (if needed)
- Documentation and examples still growing
Installation
native
pip install xy # or, with uv uv add xy
FAQ
How does XY handle extremely large datasets without crashing the browser?
For large datasets, XY uses a Rust core to compute a screen-bounded density surface or decimated view, transferring only the necessary data to the browser. As you zoom in, the library requests refined payloads to resolve individual points.
Can I use XY within an existing Matplotlib workflow?
Yes, XY provides a compatibility layer via `xy.pyplot`. You can often keep your existing plotting code by simply changing the import to `import xy.pyplot as plt`.
How do I integrate XY charts into a Reflex web application?
You can use the `reflex-xy` adapter. After installing it, register the `reflex_xy.XYPlugin()` in your `rxconfig.py` and use the `reflex_xy.chart()` component to embed your charts.
What formats can I export my charts to?
XY supports exporting charts to HTML, PNG, SVG, and PDF formats.
Is XY suitable for production-grade web applications?
XY is currently in alpha and is receiving frequent enhancements. It is designed for high performance in notebooks, web apps, and static exports, supporting interactive features like pan, zoom, and hover.
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