Data sources

[Robert Monfera]

Nice work! 

I could quickly make a bar chart, and using that, as a component, a small multiple (trellis) chart reusing that. Also experienced the fun of accidentally embedding one group in itself, stack exhausted :-)

A couple of questions:

1. Any way to add real datasources on the demo pages? Doesn't have to be big, and could be a json. I guess with a local install, or if the page embedding that was asked before gets implemented, it'll be possible to access at least global variables. Is there a preferred way to access data, e.g. using general JS functions? Since Apparatus feels FRP inspired, maybe LINQ, or something similar to crossfilter.js?

2. I'm interested in the choice of canvas, and pros/cons with SVG and WebGL - I'm not lacking thoughts about that, but find it interesting.

3. Method of extensibility? For example, now, A + B = C makes it possible to e.g. create a rectangle that encompasses two adjacent smaller rectanges. Is it or will it be possible to use whatever function I want, e.g. importing cassowary.js.

Robert

[Toby Schachman]

1. You can already do this to an extent by just pasting in JSON. But there also has been talk about extending Apparatus with features to seriously support data visualization. We'll see how this evolves.

2. I'm not an expert on this. Canvas has been faster than SVG in my experience. But one could write an SVG renderer for Apparatus (this will probably be done at some point since supporting SVG export would be nice.)

3. You can put arbitrary javascript in expressions, including functions or in theory whole libraries. But yes, it would definitely be nice to just import a library into the scope and use functions from it.

So in summary, I think Apparatus has the fundamental architecture to support the kinds of things you mention, but work needs to be done on usability, performance, and external integrations (appropriate API hooks) to support them in practice. Thanks for your feedback!

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