Grafana offers comprehensive support for a wide array of data sources, directly out of the box. For any additional requirements, users have the option to integrate various data source plugins. In instances where a desired plugin is non-existent, Grafana provides the flexibility to create a bespoke plugin tailored to your needs.
Each data source in Grafana is equipped with a specialized query editor. This tool is designed to craft custom queries that align with the structural nuances of the selected data source. Once a data source is integrated and configured within Grafana, it becomes a versatile tool for several functions, including:
- Utilizing the Explore feature to delve into data.
- Incorporating data into panels for visualization.
- Setting up alert rules based on data metrics.
This guide aims to shed light on the general management of data sources within Grafana, alongside providing insights on configuring and querying the default data sources. For guidance on third-party data sources, Grafana hosts an extensive catalogue of datasource plugins.
Should you be inclined to develop a custom plugin, Grafana’s “Build a plugin” documentation serves as a valuable resource.
Data Sources Management
The ability to add or modify data sources is reserved for users holding the organization administrator role. Administrators can access data source management functionalities by navigating to Configuration > Data Sources from the Grafana sidebar.
Comprehensive details on managing data sources, including steps to integrate new data sources and managing user permissions for data queries, are available in the Grafana administration documentation.
Leveraging Query Editors
Each data source in Grafana features a distinct query editor, tailored to leverage the data source’s unique query capabilities. These editors are instrumental when constructing queries for dashboard panels or the Explore feature.
Given the diverse nature of query languages, the appearance and functionality of query editors vary across data sources. Features such as auto-completion, metric name listings, variable suggestions, and visual query builders might be available depending on the data source.
For instance, Grafana offers a visual query builder for Prometheus, enhancing the query construction process:
General querying techniques in Grafana, including common options and elements shared across query editors, are discussed in the “Query and transform data” section.
Special Data Sources in Grafana
Grafana introduces three special data sources to augment its functionality:
- Grafana Data Source: This built-in data source can generate random walk data, access the Testdata data source for polling, list files, and retrieve various data from a Grafana setup. It’s particularly useful for visualization testing and experimental purposes.
- Mixed Data Source: Enables querying multiple data sources within a single panel. When selecting Mixed, different data sources can be assigned to individual queries.
- Dashboard Data Source: Allows the use of results from another panel within the same dashboard, directly or through annotations, enriching the data manipulation capabilities within a dashboard.
Through these functionalities, Grafana enhances its data visualization and analysis platform, catering to a broad spectrum of data processing and presentation needs.