Slide 3 of 6

Why the Drilldown apps matter

Query expertise shouldn’t block investigation

Query editor versus Drilldown interface

ApproachWhat’s requiredWho can use it
Query editorUnderstand query concepts and structure queriesEngineers familiar with the query model
Drilldown appsPoint, click, investigateAnyone

Benefits of visual exploration

  • No query model knowledge required
  • See available labels and values immediately
  • No need to think in terms of query construction
  • Interface shows what’s possible
  • Engineers at any level can investigate issues

Script

Query languages are powerful, but they have a learning curve. Even with query builders that help construct PromQL, LogQL, and TraceQL, you still need to understand the query model: what to filter, how to aggregate, which operations to apply.

The Drilldown apps take a different approach. Instead of constructing queries, you navigate data visually. Click on a metric, filter by labels, visualize results. The interface shows you what’s available and guides you through exploration without requiring you to think in terms of queries at all.

This matters for two reasons. First, anyone can investigate issues, not just the engineers who understand query models and data structures. Second, you discover data faster. You can see what labels exist, what values they have, and how data relates through direct exploration rather than constructing queries.

Think of it as the difference between knowing every street name in a city versus using a map. Both get you there, but one is much faster when you’re exploring unfamiliar territory.

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