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RRDtool
What it is
RRDtool is an open-source data logging and graphing system for time-series data. It creates Round Robin Database files from configured data sources and archives. Each archive keeps a configured number of values, cycling older values out as new data arrives. Built-in consolidation functions include AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and LAST. Specialized archives provide Holt-Winters smoothing, confidence bands, and aberrant-behavior detection. You can use RRDtool in shell scripts or connect it with Perl, Python, Ruby, Lua, and Tcl applications. Perl, Tcl, Ruby, and Python bindings are included in the distribution, while PHP and Node.js bindings are listed on the download page. The documentation describes rrdcached as a caching daemon, and data can be exported in XML from one or more RRD files. RRDtool is distributed as source with binaries listed for several systems. It is free under GNU GPL V2 or later.
For and against
For
- Free open-source distribution
- Round Robin retention archives
- Holt-Winters forecasting archives
- Multiple scripting-language bindings
- XML export support
Against
- Older values cycle out by design
- Pre-filled data is not guaranteed correct
- GPL licensing limits alternate licensing
The verdict
RRDtool provides structured time-series storage, consolidation, graphing, and forecasting features without a license fee. Its archive cycling and GPL requirements are important considerations for deployment planning.
Who it suits
RRDtool suits developers and administrators who need self-hosted time-series logging, retention policies, and graphing through command-line tools or supported language bindings.
Plans and prices
RRDtool
Open source; GNU GPL V2 or later
Read 11 Oct 2026 · oss.oetiker.ch
On the record
- Caching
- The documentation describes rrdcached as a data caching daemon for RRDtool.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Consolidation
- Built-in classic consolidation functions include AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and LAST.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Data accuracy limit
- The create documentation says pre-filling an RRD makes a best effort to preserve data and does not guarantee data correctness.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Database
- RRDtool creates Round Robin Database files with configured data sources and archives.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Data export
- RRDtool can export data in XML format from one or several RRD files.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Data retention
- Round Robin Archives store a configured number of data values, with older values cycling out as the archive is updated.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- RRDtool is distributed as source and is also listed with binary distributions for platforms including Debian Linux, Solaris, HP-UX, and Cygwin Windows.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Forecasting
- Specialized archives support Holt-Winters smoothing, confidence bands, and aberrant behavior detection.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- RRDtool can be integrated in shell scripts and Perl, Python, Ruby, Lua, or Tcl applications.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Language bindings
- Perl, Tcl, Ruby, and Python bindings are included in the distribution; the download page also lists PHP and Node.js bindings.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- License
- RRDtool is available under GNU General Public License V2 or later.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- License limitation
- The maker says RRDtool or modified versions may not be sold under a license other than the GNU GPL.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Performance
- The maker describes RRDtool as a high performance system.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RRDtool is an open source data logging and graphing system for time series data.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker says it finances RRDtool work through customer-specific add-on features and support contracts.oss.oetiker.ch · read 11 Oct 2026
