The Howdy Glossary

Highcharts is an interactive JavaScript charting library that provides a wide range of chart types for web and mobile applications. It uses SVG for modern browsers and VML for older ones to ensure compatibility across platforms. Highcharts offers dynamic features like tooltips, animations, and drilldowns without requiring extensive coding. Its API is designed to be user-friendly for non-programmers while also providing advanced functionalities for experienced developers.

Created by Norwegian company Highsoft in 2009, Highcharts stands out with several key features. It supports various chart types such as line, area, bar, and pie charts. The versatile rendering using SVG and VML ensures broad compatibility across different browsers. Dynamic elements like tooltips and animations facilitate interactive data exploration without extra coding effort. The library's API balances simplicity for beginner users with sophisticated customization options catering to advanced users.

Highcharts competes with other charting libraries like D3.js, Chart.js, Google Charts, and amCharts but distinguishes itself through its extensive chart collection and seamless cross-platform rendering capabilities. Its dynamic features simplify the creation of interactive charts efficiently. By offering both accessible tools for novice developers and advanced functionalities for expert users, Highcharts establishes itself as a comprehensive solution in the competitive market of data visualization tools.