Plotly is a graphing library that allows users to create interactive graphs, charts, and dashboards using Python, R, MATLAB, and JavaScript. It provides a wide range of visualization options that can be embedded in web applications or used in standalone formats. Plotly aims to simplify the process of data visualization, enabling users to turn complex data into interactive visual representations with ease.

Key features of Plotly include:

1. Interactive Charts: Users can create various types of interactive charts, including line graphs, scatter plots, bar charts, pie charts, and more. Interactivity includes hover effects, zooming, and dynamic filtering.

2. Dashboards: Plotly Dash is a framework for building analytical web applications. With Dash, users can design web dashboards that include data visualizations and a user interface for control.

3. Multiple Language Support: Plotly supports multiple programming languages, making it versatile for different user bases including data scientists and backend developers.

4. Real-Time Data: The library can handle real-time data visualization, which is essential for monitoring live data feeds or streams.

5. Collaboration and Sharing: Users can share their graphs and dashboards easily with a team or the public. Plotly provides options to embed visualizations in web pages or presentations effortlessly.

6. Extensive Documentation: Plotly offers comprehensive documentation and tutorials, making it accessible for beginners and advanced users alike.

7. Open-Source and Commercial Versions: Plotly provides an open-source version of their libraries, while also offering a paid service that includes additional features and enterprise capabilities.

Overall, Plotly is an effective tool for businesses and developers looking to visualize data quickly and dynamically, catering to different use cases from finance and research to marketing and education.