From script to working graph

[ziekke]

Can someone explain to me what the steps I need to take to go from my script to a working graph.

I realise I need to create a bunch of templates, queries and stuff, but I haven't been able to locate information in the documentation or these forums on how to do this.

Also, I am not entirely clear on how my xml file located in my |path_cacti|/resource/script_queries/ is supposed to be laid out.

For example, the script I am trying to set up is the ping.pl script that comes with Cacti. There wasn't an XML file, so I need to make it from scratch, but I'm having endless problems and am getting very frustrated with how the whole system works.

All the default graphs work great, and I only wish there was the documentation to answer my questions so I don't have to come bugging people here. Maybe I am stupid, but any assistance/guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Summary: What order should I create the various elements of the graph? What elements of the graph are necessary? How the heck do I make my XML file?

[Guest]

See http://www.raxnet.net/board/viewtopic.p ... graph+ping

Patch and place those two files

Then add a host templet and call it "Ping Time"

Add the unix - ping script to it ( You may add other scripts if so desires

Then add a data poller host with the hostname being the ip or dns to ping, with the host type being "Ping Time", the templet you generated above

remove all snmp or other data polls

Then create graph and it will have the unix - ping there

Once all your hosts and graphs are setup use Graph Managment to organise them in your tree or tree's

The results will look this this http://mrtg.infinitedepth.com.au/cacti/ ... leaf_id=22

[JonathanM]

Arg

It posted under guest

If you have any more queries email me @ jonathan@infinitedepth.com.au

I had the same problem for a day or so

[kkinderen]

Ziekke:

I've been frustrated by the same problem. I posted a message the other day with rather detailed instructions for going from an external script to a graph. Check out http://www.raxnet.net/board/viewtopic.php?t=2997

My goal is just to understand how cacti works before I start trying to solve specific problems at work.

Since then, I've come up with a simpler method - not using templates - just to get a feel for the process. I used ping.pl.

I'm using linux. I had a strange problem with ping.pl where I'd get "Bad Interpreter" if I ran it through Cacti - but it ran fine from the command line. I had to retype it in a new file to get it to work. Go figure.

At any rate, the simplified version only involves:

• Create a Data Input Method

• Create a Data Source

• Create a Graph in Graph Management

• Add graph to the Tree

I don't think you have to create xml files. I think that's only used to import and export things you created in cacti. Also, templates are not absolutely necessary - especially for one-off graphs. I think if you get the hang of creating a simple graph as above, you can start adding templates later.

Drop me a note if you'd like me to try and walk you through the steps.

Kevin
kevin@winstar.com