Data visualization is the display of data through visual elements such as charts, graphs, and dashboards to more intuitively understand data, discover patterns, make decisions, or convey information. It converts abstract data into an easy-to-understand visual form.

What is Grafana?

Grafana is a multi-platform open source analytics and interactive visualization web application. When connected to supported data sources, it can generate charts, graphs, and alerts for the network.

Grafana is characterized by its support for a variety of data sources, including Graphite, InfluxDB, OpenTSDB, Prometheus, Elasticsearch, CloudWatch, etc. Each data source is equipped with a unique query editor, which customizes features and functions for specific data sources. This differentiated query editor enables users to perform efficient data query and display based on the characteristics of different data.

Function

Multiple data source support: Grafana supports multiple data sources, including but not limited to Graphite, InfluxDB, OpenTSDB, Prometheus, Elasticsearch, CloudWatch, etc., enabling users to obtain data from different sources.

Visual dashboard: Users can create custom dashboards through Grafana to visualize data in various ways such as charts, graphs, and tables.

Query Editor: For each supported data source, Grafana provides a specific query editor that enables users to build complex queries to get the required data.

Alerts and Notifications: Grafana has powerful alert functions. Users can set thresholds and create alert rules. When the indicator exceeds the set range, the system will trigger an alert notification and notify relevant personnel through email, Slack, DingTalk, etc.

Template variables: Grafana allows users to create template variables to dynamically switch data or query conditions in the dashboard for more flexible data analysis.

Plugin ecosystem: Grafana has a rich plugin ecosystem, and users can use plugins to extend functionality, add new chart types, data source support, etc.

API and plugin development: Users can use Grafana's API for integration and develop their own plugins and data sources.