Description: A dashboard variable in data visualization tools is a dynamic value that allows users to customize and filter the data displayed on a dashboard. These variables are essential for creating interactive and adaptable visualizations, as they enable context changes in the data without needing to modify the underlying query. For instance, a variable can represent a date range, a set of servers, or any other parameter that influences the displayed data. Variables can be defined at the dashboard level and can be used across multiple panels, facilitating the creation of more versatile and reusable dashboards. Additionally, many data visualization platforms allow users to select values from the variables through dropdown menus, enhancing user experience and enabling deeper data analysis. In summary, dashboard variables are powerful tools that allow users to interact with their data more effectively and personally, tailoring the visualization to their specific needs.
Uses: Dashboard variables are primarily used to create interactive dashboards that allow users to explore data more flexibly. For example, they can be used to filter data by different dimensions, such as time, geographical location, or event type. This is especially useful in environments where large volumes of data are handled and real-time analysis is required. Additionally, variables allow users to customize their visualizations without needing to modify queries or data sources, saving time and reducing the possibility of errors.
Examples: A practical example of using dashboard variables in a monitoring dashboard is where a variable can represent different servers. By selecting a specific server from a dropdown menu, all graphs and metrics on the dashboard will automatically update to show only the data related to that server. Another example could be a date range variable that allows users to select a specific period to analyze the performance of an application over time.
