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Graphite vs StatsD: What are the differences?
Introduction
Here, we will discuss the key differences between Graphite and StatsD.
Data Storage Model: Graphite is a time-series database system used for storing and analyzing metrics data, while StatsD is a network daemon that listens to metrics and aggregates them before sending them to other systems for storage. Graphite stores data in Whisper files, which are fixed-size, circular buffers, while StatsD sends data to a backend storage system like Graphite or InfluxDB.
Data Collection Approach: Graphite primarily collects data by pulling metrics from sources, which means it actively fetches data from various applications, servers, or devices on a regular basis. On the other hand, StatsD relies on a passive data collection approach, where applications and services push metrics to StatsD using UDP packets.
Granularity: Graphite offers a higher level of granularity in terms of data retention and querying. It allows for the storage of metrics at different resolutions, enabling users to analyze data at various time intervals with different levels of detail. StatsD, on the other hand, does not provide built-in granularity support and typically sends aggregated metrics with pre-defined intervals.
Metrics Types: Graphite supports various metric types, including gauge, counter, timer, and set, providing flexibility in measuring different aspects of a system. StatsD, on the other hand, primarily focuses on counting and timing metrics, making it ideal for monitoring and alerting purposes.
Visualization and Dashboards: Graphite provides a web-based interface for visualizing metrics data through a feature called Graphite Web. It allows users to create rich dashboards, custom graphs, and apply functions to visualize and analyze data. StatsD, being a metrics aggregation component, does not offer built-in visualization capabilities and typically relies on third-party services or tools for data visualization.
Integration and Ecosystem: Graphite has a large ecosystem of integrations and extensions, making it highly extensible and adaptable to various monitoring and data analysis needs. It offers integrations with popular tools such as Grafana, Collectd, and Prometheus. StatsD, on the other hand, is typically used as a part of a larger monitoring stack and integrates well with systems like Graphite, InfluxDB, and Datadog.
In Summary, Graphite and StatsD differ in terms of their data storage model, data collection approach, granularity, supported metric types, visualization capabilities, and integration ecosystem.
Looking for a tool which can be used for mainly dashboard purposes, but here are the main requirements:
- Must be able to get custom data from AS400,
- Able to display automation test results,
- System monitoring / Nginx API,
- Able to get data from 3rd parties DB.
Grafana is almost solving all the problems, except AS400 and no database to get automation test results.
You can look out for Prometheus Instrumentation (https://prometheus.io/docs/practices/instrumentation/) Client Library available in various languages https://prometheus.io/docs/instrumenting/clientlibs/ to create the custom metric you need for AS4000 and then Grafana can query the newly instrumented metric to show on the dashboard.
Pros of Graphite
- Render any graph16
- Great functions to apply on timeseries9
- Well supported integrations8
- Includes event tracking6
- Rolling aggregation makes storage managable3
Pros of StatsD
- Open source9
- Single responsibility7
- Efficient wire format5
- Handles aggregation3
- Loads of integrations3
- Many implementations1
- Scales well1
- Simple to use1
- NodeJS1
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Cons of Graphite
Cons of StatsD
- No authentication; cannot be used over Internet1