Head-to-Head: Decimal.js vs Math.js Analysis

decimal.js

v10.4.3(10 months ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are bundled with the npm packageNumber of direct dependencies: 0Monthly npm downloads

Decimal.js is a JavaScript library for precise decimal arithmetic. It provides a reliable and accurate way to perform calculations with decimal numbers, avoiding the common rounding errors and precision issues that can occur with floating-point arithmetic in JavaScript.

Alternatives: bignumber.js, math.js, big.js

Tags: javascriptdecimalarithmeticprecisionmath

mathjs

v11.11.1(14 days ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are bundled with the npm packageNumber of direct dependencies: 9Monthly npm downloads

Math.js is a comprehensive mathematics library for JavaScript that provides a wide range of mathematical functions and capabilities. It allows you to perform complex mathematical operations, including algebraic expressions, matrix operations, statistical calculations, and more. Math.js supports both numerical and symbolic computations, making it suitable for a variety of mathematical applications.

Alternatives: NumPy, MATLAB, math.js

Tags: javascriptmathematicsalgebramatrixstatistics

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Popularity

Both Decimal.js and Math.js are popular libraries for mathematical operations in JavaScript. Math.js has a larger community and more GitHub stars, making it slightly more popular than Decimal.js. However, both packages have a significant user base and are actively maintained.

Precision and Decimal Handling

Decimal.js is specifically designed for precise decimal arithmetic, allowing developers to perform calculations with high precision, avoiding common floating-point rounding errors. It provides extensive support for decimal operations and formatting. Math.js, on the other hand, provides a broader range of mathematical functionalities, including support for decimals but with slightly less focus on precision handling.

Functionality

Both Decimal.js and Math.js offer a wide range of functions and operations for mathematical computations. Decimal.js is solely focused on decimal arithmetic, providing features like arbitrary precision, rounding, and formatting. Math.js, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive set of mathematical functions, including support for complex numbers, matrices, units, and symbolic computations.

Size and Performance

Decimal.js is a lightweight library specifically built for decimal operations, resulting in a smaller bundle size compared to Math.js. Additionally, Decimal.js is optimized for performance and offers faster decimal calculations. Math.js, being a more comprehensive library, has a larger footprint and may be slower for specific decimal-related operations.

Development Experience

Decimal.js provides a simple and intuitive API for performing basic decimal operations. It is easy to understand and use, making it suitable for projects primarily focused on decimal arithmetic. Math.js offers a more extensive and powerful API with support for various mathematical domains. It provides a broader range of functionalities but may have a steeper learning curve.

Community Support and Documentation

Math.js has a larger and more active community, which results in better community support and a wider range of resources available. It has comprehensive and well-structured documentation, making it easier for developers to get started and find answers to their questions. Decimal.js also has good documentation, but the community support might be comparatively lesser than Math.js.