Michenux » Flex

Dstat graph using Vmstax

Michenux — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:28:46 +0000

Generating graphs from dstat log files is now possible using Vmstax. At the origin, Vmstax was created to build graphics from vmstat log files. It is very convenient to monitor the server load during a load test. All you had to do is to capture the log with a command like “vmstat -n 5 > output.log“, then upload the log file into vmstax and finally, export the graphs as images to include them into reports.
Actually, it is not a so good solution to analyze your servers : a lot of things is missing like network traffics, load per cpu, io per disk and others. Mpstat, iostat, ifstat can be used together but this is inconvenient because you have to manage several log ouputs.

Dstat is a versatile replacement for vmstat, iostat, netstat and ifstat. You can configure it with a bunch of options and you can even developp your own plugins for your specific needs. So, you have only one command to monitor what ever you want.

Here is an example of dstat output :

To draw charts from dstat output with Vmstax :

1) First, capture the dstat output : you have to use the output option. It will produce a csv log file that can be uploaded inside Vmstax. Here is an example :

dstat -c -n -N eth0,lo -m -s -d –output dstat.csv

2) Then, start Vmstax, upload the dstat.csv file and export the graphs as png. Pay attention to choose the ‘dstat’ format inside the upload combo box.

Start Vmstax now !

Here is some example graphs :

Limitations : Vmstax is not able to graph all the available options of dstat. If you think one is missing, contact the author and talk about it.

Links :
DStat home page
Vmstax

Survey about vmstax

Michenux — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:56:15 +0000

Please take time to answer this little survey about your use of vmstax.

Vmstax – Build charts/graphs from vmstat log

Michenux — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 10:16:58 +0000

Hi,

Learning Flex 3, i wanted to test the chart functionnalities. As a case study, i took the problematic of drawing charts from a vmstat log. At the end of your load tests, you have to build the charts. It may take some times to do that with Word or OpenOffice and it is not one of my favorite task. So, i decided to make a littleapplication in Flex : you upload your vmstat log, the chars appears and you can export them as images.

Click here to test: vmstax