InfluxDB vs OpenTSDB: What are the differences?

Introduction

InfluxDB and OpenTSDB are both time series databases used for storing and analyzing time series data. While they serve the same purpose, there are several key differences between the two.

1. Data Model: InfluxDB uses a key-value store with a flexible schema, allowing for the storage of different types of data within the same measurement or series. OpenTSDB, on the other hand, follows a strict schema with fixed tags and metrics, which can limit the flexibility in data storage and retrieval.

2. Query Language: InfluxDB uses a SQL-like query language called InfluxQL, which offers a wide range of query capabilities including aggregations, joins, and functions. OpenTSDB uses a simplified query language that requires specifying the metric, tags, and time range explicitly, making it less versatile compared to InfluxDB.

3. Scalability: InfluxDB is designed to be highly scalable and can handle large volumes of data with ease. It provides built-in clustering and sharding capabilities, allowing for horizontal scaling across multiple nodes. OpenTSDB, on the other hand, relies on HBase for storage and scalability, which may require additional configuration and setup.

4. Data Storage: InfluxDB stores data in its own custom time series file format, which is optimized for efficient data compression and retrieval. OpenTSDB, on the other hand, relies on HBase as its underlying storage system, which may introduce additional complexities and dependencies to the setup.

5. Ease of Setup: InfluxDB offers a single binary distribution that can be easily installed and set up on various operating systems. It also provides a web-based admin interface for configuration and management. OpenTSDB, on the other hand, requires a multi-component setup, including HBase and ZooKeeper, which may require more effort and technical expertise.

6. Community and Ecosystem: InfluxDB has a vibrant and active community with extensive documentation, libraries, and integrations with popular tools and frameworks. OpenTSDB, while also having a dedicated user base, may have a smaller community and a more limited ecosystem in terms of available libraries and integrations.

In summary, InfluxDB and OpenTSDB differ in their data model, query language, scalability, data storage, ease of setup, and community ecosystem. While both are capable time series databases, InfluxDB offers more flexibility and a wider range of features, making it a popular choice for many time series data applications.