Angular chart library Highcharts

Highcharts with Angular

Highcharts is a powerful JavaScript library for creating interactive charts and graphs. When combined with Angular, a robust framework for building web applications, you can create dynamic, data-driven visualizations with ease. This guide will walk you through integrating Highcharts into an Angular project, from setup to advanced configurations.

Why Highcharts with Angular?

• Rich Features: Supports line, bar, pie, scatter, and complex charts such as heatmaps.
• Interactivity: Zooming in and out, tooltips, and dynamic updates enhance user engagement.
• Customization: Theming, annotations, and responsive design.
• Angular Compatibility: The official highcharts-angular wrapper simplifies integration. Say goodbye to expensive custom solutions!

Prerequisites

• Node.js and npm tools installed.
• Angular CLI:

  npm install -g @angular/cli
  

• Basic knowledge of Angular components and modules.

Project Setup

1. Create an Angular Project

   ng new highcharts-angular-demo
   cd highcharts-angular-demo
   

2. Install Dependencies Install Highcharts and Angular wrappers:

   npm install highcharts highcharts-angular
   

Basic Integration

1. Import HighchartsModule

Add HighchartsModule to app.module.ts:

import { NgModule } from '@angular/core';
import { BrowserModule } from '@angular/platform-browser';
import { AppComponent } from './app.component';
import { HighchartsChartModule } from 'highcharts-angular';

@NgModule({
  declarations: [AppComponent],
  imports: [BrowserModule, HighchartsChartModule],
  bootstrap: [AppComponent]
})
export class AppModule {}

2. Create a Chart Component

Inapp.component.ts, define chart options:

import { Component } from '@angular/core';
import * as Highcharts from 'highcharts';

@Component({
  selector: 'app-root',
  templateUrl: './app.component.html'
})
export class AppComponent {
  Highcharts: typeof Highcharts = Highcharts;
  chartOptions: Highcharts.Options = {
    title: { text: 'Monthly Sales' },
    series: [{ type: 'line', data: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] }]
  };
}

In app.component.html, render the chart:

<highcharts-chart
  [Highcharts]="Highcharts"
  [options]="chartOptions"
  style="width: 100%; height: 400px; display: block;">
</highcharts-chart>

3. Run the App

ng serve

Visit http://localhost:4200 and see your chart!

Dynamic Charts

Update charts reactively using Angular data binding.

1. Add a Button to Update Data

In app.component.html:

<button (click)="updateData()">Add Data</button>

2. Implement Data Update Logic

In app.component.ts:

export class AppComponent {
  //...existing code...
  updateData() {
    this.chartOptions = {
      ...this.chartOptions,
      series: [{ type: 'line', data: [...this.chartOptions.series[0].data, Math.random() * 10] }]
    };
  }
}

Configuration & Customization

1. Chart Types

Change type in series to 'bar', 'pie', etc.:

series: [{ type: 'bar', data: [10, 20, 30] }]

2. Styling

Customize colors, axes, and tooltips:

chartOptions: Highcharts.Options = {
  chart: { backgroundColor: '#f4f4f4' },
  xAxis: { title: { text: 'Month' } },
  yAxis: { title: { text: 'Sales' } },
  tooltip: { valueSuffix: ' units' }
};

3. Exporting

Enable exporting to PNG/PDF:

exporting: { enabled: true }

Advanced Features

1. Highcharts Modules

Import additional features like 3D charts:

npm install highcharts-3d

In app.component.ts:

import HC_3D from 'highcharts/highcharts-3d';
HC_3D(Highcharts);

2. Lazy Loading Chart

Load charts on demand using Angular's ngOnInit:

async ngOnInit() {
  const Highcharts = await import('highcharts');
  // Initialize chart here
}

3. Performance Optimization

• Use OnPush change detection.
• Debounce rapid data updates.

Common Issues & Solutions

1. Chart Not Updating: Reassign chartOptions instead of mutating it.
2. Missing Dependencies: Ensure highcharts andhighcharts-angular versions match.
3. Resize Issues: CallHighcharts.charts[0].reflow() on window resize.

Highcharts and Angular together offer a powerful toolkit for data visualization. This guide has enabled you to set up, customize, and optimize charts in an Angular app. Explore the Highcharts documentation for more advanced features such as stock charts or accessibility options.