Best Chart Libraries for Kotlin Android Development

Developers often face the challenge of presenting data in a visually appealing manner in their Android applications. Data visualization not only enhances user experience but also makes comprehension much easier. Fortunately, there are several chart libraries designed specifically for Kotlin Android, making it easier to integrate beautiful, interactive charts into your apps. In this tutorial, we will explore some of the best chart libraries, understand their features, learn how to install them, and see code examples to get started.

1. MPAndroidChart

MPAndroidChart is one of the most popular and comprehensive chart libraries for Android. Created by Philipp Jahoda, it offers a wide variety of chart types and is known for its performance and easy integration.

List of Features

  • Support for various chart types: Line, Bar, Pie, Scatter, Candle, Bubble, and Radar charts.
  • Real-time and interactive chart capabilities.
  • Zooming and panning functionalities.
  • Customizable styling.
  • Support for animations.
  • Easy data handling and updating.

Installation

To integrate MPAndroidChart into your project, add the following dependency to your build.gradle file:. 

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.github.PhilJay:MPAndroidChart:v3.1.0'
}

Code Example

Adding a Line Chart

  1. XML Layout:. 
<com.github.mikephil.charting.charts.LineChart
    android:id="@+id/lineChart"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent" />
  1. Kotlin Code:. 
import android.os.Bundle
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
import com.github.mikephil.charting.charts.LineChart
import com.github.mikephil.charting.data.Entry
import com.github.mikephil.charting.data.LineData
import com.github.mikephil.charting.data.LineDataSet

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {

    lateinit var lineChart: LineChart

    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main)

        lineChart = findViewById(R.id.lineChart)

        val entries = ArrayList<Entry>()
        entries.add(Entry(0f, 1f))
        entries.add(Entry(1f, 2f))
        entries.add(Entry(2f, 0f))
        entries.add(Entry(3f, 4f))

        val dataSet = LineDataSet(entries, "Label")
        val lineData = LineData(dataSet)
        lineChart.data = lineData

        lineChart.invalidate() // Refresh the chart
    }
}

Explanation:.

  • XML Layout: Defines a LineChart view.
  • Kotlin Code: Creates Entry objects with X and Y values. These entries are added to a LineDataSet, which is a collection of entries that will be drawn as a line. Finally, a LineData object is created with the dataset and set to the LineChart. invalidate method refreshes the chart with the new data.

Comparison

MPAndroidChart is highly versatile and widely used due to its extensive features and regular updates. Compared to others, it offers the most comprehensive set of chart types and functionalities.

MPAndroidChart GitHub

2. AnyChart

AnyChart is a versatile JavaScript charting library that provides numerous features and supports multiple platforms, including Kotlin Android. This library is known for its beautiful, interactive charts and ease of use.

List of Features

  • Wide variety of charts: Line, Bar, Bubble, Funnel, Heat Map, Maps, etc.
  • Cross-platform support.
  • Detailed documentation and examples.
  • Highly customizable options.
  • Free and premium versions available.

Installation

Add the AnyChart dependency to your build.gradle file:. 

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.github.AnyChart:AnyChart-Android:1.1.2'
}

Code Example

Adding a Bar Chart

  1. XML Layout:. 
<com.anychart.AnyChartView
    android:id="@+id/any_chart_view"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent" />
  1. Kotlin Code:. 
import android.os.Bundle
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
import com.anychart.AnyChart
import com.anychart.chart.common.dataentry.ValueDataEntry
import com.anychart.charts.Cartesian
import com.anychart.enums.Anchor
import com.anychart.enums.Position
import com.anychart.enums.TooltipPositionMode

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {

    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main)

        val anyChartView: AnyChartView = findViewById(R.id.any_chart_view)
        val cartesian: Cartesian = AnyChart.column()

        val data: MutableList<ValueDataEntry> = ArrayList()
        data.add(ValueDataEntry("A", 10))
        data.add(ValueDataEntry("B", 20))
        data.add(ValueDataEntry("C", 30))

        val column = cartesian.column(data)
        column.tooltip()
            .titleFormat("{%X}")
            .position(Position.CENTER_BOTTOM)
            .anchor(Anchor.CENTER_BOTTOM)
            .offsetX(0.0)
            .offsetY(5.0)
            .format("\${%Value}{groupsSeparator: }")

        cartesian.animation(true)
        cartesian.title("Sample Bar Chart")
        cartesian.yScale().minimum(0.0)
        cartesian.tooltip().positionMode(TooltipPositionMode.POINT)
        cartesian.xAxis(0).title("Category")
        cartesian.yAxis(0).title("Value")

        anyChartView.setChart(cartesian)
    }
}

Explanation:.

  • XML Layout: Defines an AnyChartView for displaying the chart.
  • Kotlin Code: Creates ValueDataEntry objects for data points. AnyChart.column method creates a column chart. Tooltip settings and axis titles are configured, and the chart is assigned to the AnyChartView.

Comparison

AnyChart shines with cross-platform support and detailed customization options. While not as feature-heavy as MPAndroidChart, it is excellent for developers who are looking for beautiful and highly customizable visualizations.

AnyChart Android

3. HelloCharts

HelloCharts is another powerful Android charting library, designed to be lightweight and easy to use. It supports a range of chart types and is known for its simplicity and quick setup.

List of Features

  • Support for Line, Column, Pie, Bubble, Combo, and Preview charts.
  • Smooth animations for data changes.
  • Flawless zooming and scrolling.
  • Customizable data points and labels.
  • Lightweight and fast performance.

Installation

To use HelloCharts in your project, add the following dependency to the build.gradle file:. 

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.github.lecho:hellocharts-android:v1.5.8'
}

Code Example

Adding a Pie Chart

  1. XML Layout:. 
<lecho.lib.hellocharts.view.PieChartView
    android:id="@+id/pieChart"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent" />
  1. Kotlin Code:. 
import android.graphics.Color
import android.os.Bundle
import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
import lecho.lib.hellocharts.model.PieChartData
import lecho.lib.hellocharts.model.SliceValue
import lecho.lib.hellocharts.view.PieChartView

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {

    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main)

        val pieChartView: PieChartView = findViewById(R.id.pieChart)

        val values = ArrayList<SliceValue>()
        values.add(SliceValue(30f, Color.RED).setLabel("Red"))
        values.add(SliceValue(20f, Color.BLUE).setLabel("Blue"))
        values.add(SliceValue(50f, Color.GREEN).setLabel("Green"))

        val pieChartData = PieChartData(values)
        pieChartData.setHasLabels(true)

        pieChartView.pieChartData = pieChartData
    }
}

Explanation:.

  • XML Layout: Defines a PieChartView for showing the pie chart.
  • Kotlin Code: Creates SliceValue objects with values and colors. These slices are added to a PieChartData object, which represents the pie chart data. Labels are enabled, and the data is set to the PieChartView.

Comparison

HelloCharts is lightweight and easy to use, making it perfect for simple, quick chart implementations. While it might not offer as many customization options as MPAndroidChart or AnyChart, its simplicity is its greatest strength.

HelloCharts GitHub

4. EazeGraph

EazeGraph is a lightweight library for creating beautiful and simple charts in Android applications. It is a go-to for minimalistic designs and straightforward implementations.

Features

  • Easy implementation for basic charts (Bar, Pie, Line, Stacked Bar).

  • Lightweight and performance-friendly.

  • Clean and modern visual styles.

  • XML attributes customization.

Installation

Add the following dependency to your build.gradle file:. 

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.github.blackfizz:eazegraph:1.2.2'
}

Code Examples

Creating a Bar Chart

import com.db.chart.model.Bar

val barChart = findViewById<BarChartView>(R.id.barchart)
val bar = Bar("January", 5f)
bar.color = Color.parseColor("#FF6200EE")

barChart.addBar(bar)
barChart.show()

Explanation:.

  • Imports: Essential class for the Bar chart is imported.
  • FindViewById: Bar chart view is retrieved from the layout.
  • Bar: A bar with a label and value is created and styled.
  • AddBar & Show: Bar is added to the chart and displayed.

Comparison

EazeGraph is ideal for developers focused on simplicity and performance. However, it lacks some of the extensive features and chart types seen in more comprehensive libraries like MPAndroidChart and AnyChart.

EazeGraph GitHub

MPAndroidChart stands out for its extensive features and variety, making it suitable for most complex needs. AnyChart offers beautiful, cross-platform charts with great customization options, whereas HelloCharts provides a simple and lightweight solution for quicker tasks.

Thanks for reading.