Navigating The Dashboard

Introduction

The Datadog dashboard is a powerful tool that enables users to visualize and analyze their application and infrastructure metrics in real-time. In this tutorial, we will cover the essential components of the dashboard, how to customize it, and how to effectively navigate through its features.

Accessing the Dashboard

To access the Datadog dashboard, you first need to log in to your Datadog account. After logging in, you will be greeted by the main dashboard interface. Here’s how to get there:

Open your web browser and go to the Datadog login page.
Enter your credentials and click the Log In button.
Once logged in, click on the Dashboards tab located on the left-hand sidebar.

Example: After logging in, your URL should look like this: https://app.datadoghq.com/dashboard

Dashboard Layout

The dashboard is divided into several key sections:

Header: This section displays the Datadog logo, your organization name, and the search bar for quick access to features.
Sidebar: The sidebar provides navigation links to various Datadog features, including Dashboards, Monitors, and Logs.
Main Content Area: This is where the widgets and graphs are displayed, showing your metrics and data visualizations.

The sidebar allows you to switch between different sections quickly. For instance, clicking on Monitors will take you to your monitoring configurations.

Customizing Your Dashboard

One of the most powerful features of the Datadog dashboard is the ability to customize it according to your needs. You can add, remove, and rearrange widgets to create a personalized view.

Adding Widgets

To add a new widget, follow these steps:

Click the Add Widget button located at the top right of the dashboard.
Select the type of widget you want to add (e.g., Timeseries, Query Value, etc.).
Configure the widget settings such as data source, time range, and display options.
Click Save to add the widget to your dashboard.

Example: To add a Timeseries widget, select it from the widget type options and configure it to display CPU usage metrics.

Saving and Sharing Dashboards

After customizing your dashboard, it’s essential to save it. You can save your dashboard by clicking on the Save Dashboard button. Additionally, you can share your dashboard with team members by using the sharing options available.

Sharing Options

To share your dashboard:

Click the Share button at the top right.
Choose whether to share a link or invite team members via email.
Set permissions for viewing or editing the dashboard.
Click Send or Copy Link to share your dashboard.

Use the sharing feature to collaborate effectively with your team on monitoring and performance analysis.

Conclusion

Navigating the Datadog dashboard is straightforward once you understand its layout and features. Customizing your dashboard can significantly enhance your monitoring capabilities, allowing you to focus on the metrics that matter most. By following this tutorial, you should be well-equipped to utilize the Datadog dashboard effectively.