charttype

Charttype is a classification used in data visualization to indicate how data should be visually rendered in a chart. It is typically a configuration option that selects the rendering logic for a data series or chart container. The specific meaning of charttype varies by plotting library, but it generally determines how data points are positioned, connected, and displayed.

Common values for charttype include line, bar (or column), pie, scatter, area, histogram, radar, heatmap, and bubble. The exact set and naming depend on the library or framework being used, and some tools may refer to this option as type, chartType, kind, or visualization.

In practice, charttype is exposed as a property or parameter and can usually be set during initialization or changed later to switch the visualization. Some libraries also support combining multiple charttypes in a single view, either by assigning different types to separate data series or through composite chart configurations.

Choosing a charttype affects several aspects of the chart, including axes configuration and scales, stacking behavior, tooltip formatting, legend presentation, and interaction patterns. The choice should match the data structure and the insights sought, rather than simply following a trend or style. Charttype is about representation, not data transformation, and should preserve accuracy and clarity.

Performance and accessibility considerations apply as well. Large datasets may require optimizations, and color choices, labels, and contrasts should remain accessible to all users. See also data visualization, chart, and plotting library.