Working With AppScope
These docs explain two ways to work with AppScope: together with Cribl Edge, and on its own. Cribl Edge provides a means to manage AppScope at scale. The concluding Reference topics generally apply for both approaches, although the CLI Reference is most relevant for using AppScope on its own or with other open-source tools.
Using AppScope with Cribl Edge
Here we'll cover working on a Linux host or virtual machine, in a Docker or similar container, or on Kubernetes.
These topics are complementary to Cribl's documentation about the AppScope Source and the AppScope Config Editor.
AppScope comes bundled with Cribl Edge, so there's no need to discuss how to obtain AppScope.
Using AppScope On its Own
Here we'll cover obtaining, and then using AppScope, starting with the CLI.
Fundamental Concepts
To work effectively with AppScope, start with these fundamental points:
- Your overall approach can be either spontaneous or more planned-out.
- You can control AppScope by means of the config file, environment variables, or a combination of the two.
- The results you get from AppScope will be in the form of events and metrics. When you scope HTTP applications, you can get payloads, too.
Scoping By PID and Scoping By Rule
Another important distinction to understand when working with AppScope is that between "scope by PID" and "scope by Rule."
- Scope by PID instruments one process on one host or container.
-
Scope by Rule instruments one or more processes, not only on one host, but, when using AppScope together with Cribl Edge, an entire Edge Fleet.
- The principle is that AppScope will instrument whatever processes match a given Rule.
The Config File, Env Vars, and Flags
AppScope's ease of use stems from its flexible set of controls:
- AppScope's configuration file,
scope.yml, can be invoked from either the CLI or the library. - The AppScope library provides an extensive set of environment variables, which control settings like metric verbosity and event destinations. Environment variables override config file settings.
