Canvas vs. SVG: Understanding Their Functional Differences

Canvas and SVG are commonly used tools in web graphics production. Although both can display graphics, the way they work and the scenarios they are applicable to are very different.

Canvas is pixel based. It uses <canvas> elements and draws graphics via JavaScript. Once a shape is drawn, it is fixed, meaning that you cannot interact with individual shapes or objects unless you redraw them. Canvas is great for animations, games, and large data visualizations that require high-speed processing.

SVG, Scalable Vector Graphics, is vector-based. It uses the <svg> element, and shapes such as rectangles, circles, and lines are defined in code. These shapes are treated as independent elements and can therefore be styled or interacted with independently. SVG is great for icons, charts, interactive graphics, and more.

Main differences:

• Scalability: SVG remains sharp at any size, while Canvas can become blurry when scaled.

• Interactivity: SVG shapes can be directly clicked or styled; Canvas requires additional coding to achieve this functionality.

• Performance: Canvas is faster at handling complex tasks like gaming, but SVG is better at handling simple graphics and interactivity.

Choose Canvas for high-speed animations and games, and SVG for clear, scalable, and interactive graphics!

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