OpenTSDB vs Prometheus: What are the differences?

Introduction

OpenTSDB and Prometheus are two popular monitoring and time series databases used in software development and operations. While both serve similar purposes, there are some key differences between them that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the main differences between OpenTSDB and Prometheus.

1. Data Model: OpenTSDB uses a unique data model where each data point is stored as a key-value pair with a timestamp. This allows for efficient storage and retrieval of time series data. On the other hand, Prometheus uses a metric-based data model where each metric has a set of labels associated with it. This flexible model allows for powerful querying and filtering capabilities.

2. Scalability: OpenTSDB is designed with scalability in mind and can handle large amounts of data and high write rates. It leverages distributed architecture and horizontal scaling to handle the load. Prometheus, on the other hand, is more suitable for smaller setups and may require sharding or federation for large deployments.

3. Data Collection: OpenTSDB supports data ingestion using various protocols such as HTTP, Telnet, and others. It also provides a built-in mechanism for aggregating and summarizing data at the server-side. Prometheus, on the other hand, relies on a pull-based model where it scrapes metrics from targets using HTTP. It also supports service discovery and automatic target detection.

4. Querying: OpenTSDB provides a powerful query language called TSDB Query Language (TSL), which allows for complex data retrieval and filtering. It supports various aggregation functions and time series operations. Prometheus comes with its own query language called PromQL, which is specifically designed for working with its metric-based data model. PromQL is known for its simplicity and ease of use.

5. Alerting: OpenTSDB does not have built-in alerting capabilities. However, it can be integrated with external tools like Grafana for alerting and visualization. Prometheus, on the other hand, provides native support for alerting. It has a powerful alerting engine that can define and trigger alerts based on specific conditions.

6. Integration: OpenTSDB can integrate with various third-party monitoring and visualization tools through its extensive set of APIs and plugins. Prometheus has native integration with Grafana and other popular monitoring tools. It also provides APIs and libraries for custom integrations.

In summary, OpenTSDB and Prometheus differ in their data models, scalability, data collection methods, querying languages, alerting capabilities, and integration options. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the monitoring and time series needs of an application or system.