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diff --git a/doc/23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md b/doc/23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..62b5667 --- /dev/null +++ b/doc/23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md @@ -0,0 +1,1585 @@ +# Migration from Icinga 1.x <a id="migration"></a> + +## Configuration Migration <a id="configuration-migration"></a> + +The Icinga 2 configuration format introduces plenty of behavioural changes. In +order to ease migration from Icinga 1.x, this section provides hints and tips +on your migration requirements. + + +### Automated Config Migration <a id="automated-config-migration"></a> + +Depending on your previous setup, you may have already used different sources +for generating the 1.x configuration files. If this is the case, +we strongly recommend to use these sources in combination with +the [Icinga Director](https://icinga.com/docs/director/latest/doc/01-Introduction/). + +This can be for example: + +* A CMDB or RDBMS which provides host details and facts +* PuppetDB +* CSV/XSL/JSON files +* Cloud resources (AWS, etc.) + +In case you have been using Icinga Web 1.x or an addon requiring +the underlying IDO database, you can use this as database resource +to import the host details. + +Talks: + +* [This talk from OSMC 2016](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6GBsfeXIZI) shares more insights (German). +* [Automated Monitoring in heterogeneous environments](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkUlS5rlHzM&list=PLeoxx10paaAn_xHJ5wBhnBJyW_d5G7-Bl&index=8) + +Continue reading more about [Import Sources](https://icinga.com/docs/director/latest/doc/70-Import-and-Sync/) +for the Icinga Director. + +### Manual Config Migration <a id="manual-config-migration"></a> + +For a long-term migration of your configuration you should consider re-creating +your configuration based on the proposed Icinga 2 configuration paradigm. + +Please read the [next chapter](23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md#differences-1x-2) to find out more about the differences +between 1.x and 2. + +### Manual Config Migration Hints <a id="manual-config-migration-hints"></a> + +These hints should provide you with enough details for manually migrating your configuration, +or to adapt your configuration export tool to dump Icinga 2 configuration instead of +Icinga 1.x configuration. + +The examples are taken from Icinga 1.x test and production environments and converted +straight into a possible Icinga 2 format. If you found a different strategy, please +let us know! + +If you require in-depth explanations, please check the [next chapter](23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md#differences-1x-2). + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Intervals <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-Intervals"></a> + +By default all intervals without any duration literal are interpreted as seconds. Therefore +all existing Icinga 1.x `*_interval` attributes require an additional `m` duration literal. + +Icinga 1.x: + +``` +define service { + service_description service1 + host_name localhost1 + check_command test_customvar + use generic-service + check_interval 5 + retry_interval 1 +} +``` + +Icinga 2: + +``` +object Service "service1" { + import "generic-service" + host_name = "localhost1" + check_command = "test_customvar" + check_interval = 5m + retry_interval = 1m +} +``` + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Services <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-services"></a> + +If you have used the `host_name` attribute in Icinga 1.x with one or more host names this service +belongs to, you can migrate this to the [apply rules](03-monitoring-basics.md#using-apply) syntax. + +Icinga 1.x: + +``` +define service { + service_description service1 + host_name localhost1,localhost2 + check_command test_check + use generic-service +} +``` + +Icinga 2: + +``` +apply Service "service1" { + import "generic-service" + check_command = "test_check" + + assign where host.name in [ "localhost1", "localhost2" ] +} +``` + +In Icinga 1.x you would have organized your services with hostgroups using the `hostgroup_name` attribute +like the following example: + +``` +define service { + service_description servicewithhostgroups + hostgroup_name hostgroup1,hostgroup3 + check_command test_check + use generic-service +} +``` + +Using Icinga 2 you can migrate this to the [apply rules](03-monitoring-basics.md#using-apply) syntax: + +``` +apply Service "servicewithhostgroups" { + import "generic-service" + check_command = "test_check" + + assign where "hostgroup1" in host.groups + assign where "hostgroup3" in host.groups +} +``` + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Group Members <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-group-members"></a> + +The Icinga 1.x hostgroup `hg1` has two members `host1` and `host2`. The hostgroup `hg2` has `host3` as +a member and includes all members of the `hg1` hostgroup. + +``` +define hostgroup { + hostgroup_name hg1 + members host1,host2 +} + +define hostgroup { + hostgroup_name hg2 + members host3 + hostgroup_members hg1 +} +``` + +This can be migrated to Icinga 2 and [using group assign](17-language-reference.md#group-assign). The additional nested hostgroup +`hg1` is included into `hg2` with the `groups` attribute. + +``` +object HostGroup "hg1" { + groups = [ "hg2" ] + assign where host.name in [ "host1", "host2" ] +} + +object HostGroup "hg2" { + assign where host.name == "host3" +} +``` + +These assign rules can be applied for all groups: `HostGroup`, `ServiceGroup` and `UserGroup` +(requires renaming from `contactgroup`). + +> **Tip** +> +> Define custom variables and assign/ignore members based on these attribute pattern matches. + + + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Check Command Arguments <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-check-command-arguments"></a> + +Host and service check command arguments are separated by a `!` in Icinga 1.x. Their order is important and they +are referenced as `$ARGn$` where `n` is the argument counter. + +``` +define command { + command_name my-ping + command_line $USER1$/check_ping -H $HOSTADDRESS$ -w $ARG1$ -c $ARG2$ -p 5 +} + +define service { + use generic-service + host_name my-server + service_description my-ping + check_command my-ping-check!100.0,20%!500.0,60% +} +``` + +While you could manually migrate this like (please note the new generic command arguments and default argument values!): + +``` +object CheckCommand "my-ping-check" { + command = [ + PluginDir + "/check_ping", "-4" + ] + + arguments = { + "-H" = "$ping_address$" + "-w" = "$ping_wrta$,$ping_wpl$%" + "-c" = "$ping_crta$,$ping_cpl$%" + "-p" = "$ping_packets$" + "-t" = "$ping_timeout$" + } + + vars.ping_address = "$address$" + vars.ping_wrta = 100 + vars.ping_wpl = 5 + vars.ping_crta = 200 + vars.ping_cpl = 15 +} + +object Service "my-ping" { + import "generic-service" + host_name = "my-server" + check_command = "my-ping-check" + + vars.ping_wrta = 100 + vars.ping_wpl = 20 + vars.ping_crta = 500 + vars.ping_cpl = 60 +} +``` + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Runtime Macros <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-runtime-macros"></a> + +Runtime macros have been renamed. A detailed comparison table can be found [here](23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md#differences-1x-2-runtime-macros). + +For example, accessing the service check output looks like the following in Icinga 1.x: + +``` +$SERVICEOUTPUT$ +``` + +In Icinga 2 you will need to write: + +``` +$service.output$ +``` + +Another example referencing the host's address attribute in Icinga 1.x: + +``` +$HOSTADDRESS$ +``` + +In Icinga 2 you'd just use the following macro to access all `address` attributes (even overridden from the service objects): + +``` +$address$ +``` + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Runtime Custom Variables <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-runtime-custom-variables"></a> + +Custom variables from Icinga 1.x are available as Icinga 2 custom variables. + +``` +define command { + command_name test_customvar + command_line echo "Host CV: $_HOSTCVTEST$ Service CV: $_SERVICECVTEST$\n" +} + +define host { + host_name localhost1 + check_command test_customvar + use generic-host + _CVTEST host cv value +} + +define service { + service_description service1 + host_name localhost1 + check_command test_customvar + use generic-service + _CVTEST service cv value +} +``` + +Can be written as the following in Icinga 2: + +``` +object CheckCommand "test_customvar" { + command = "echo "Host CV: $host.vars.CVTEST$ Service CV: $service.vars.CVTEST$\n"" +} + +object Host "localhost1" { + import "generic-host" + check_command = "test_customvar" + vars.CVTEST = "host cv value" +} + +object Service "service1" { + host_name = "localhost1" + check_command = "test_customvar" + vars.CVTEST = "service cv value" +} +``` + +If you are just defining `$CVTEST$` in your command definition, its value depends on the +execution scope -- the host check command will fetch the host attribute value of `vars.CVTEST` +while the service check command resolves its value to the service attribute attribute `vars.CVTEST`. + +> **Note** +> +> Custom variables in Icinga 2 are case-sensitive. `vars.CVTEST` is not the same as `vars.CvTest`. + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Contacts (Users) <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-contacts-users"></a> + +Contacts in Icinga 1.x act as users in Icinga 2, but do not have any notification commands specified. +This migration part is explained in the [next chapter](23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md#manual-config-migration-hints-notifications). + +``` +define contact{ + contact_name testconfig-user + use generic-user + alias Icinga Test User + service_notification_options c,f,s,u + email icinga@localhost +} +``` + +The `service_notification_options` can be [mapped](23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md#manual-config-migration-hints-notification-filters) +into generic `state` and `type` filters, if additional notification filtering is required. `alias` gets +renamed to `display_name`. + +``` +object User "testconfig-user" { + import "generic-user" + display_name = "Icinga Test User" + email = "icinga@localhost" +} +``` + +This user can be put into usergroups (former contactgroups) or referenced in newly migration notification +objects. + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Notifications <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-notifications"></a> + +If you are migrating a host or service notification, you'll need to extract the following information from +your existing Icinga 1.x configuration objects + +* host/service attribute `contacts` and `contact_groups` +* host/service attribute `notification_options` +* host/service attribute `notification_period` +* host/service attribute `notification_interval` + +The clean approach is to refactor your current contacts and their notification command methods into a +generic strategy + +* host or service has a notification type (for example mail) +* which contacts (users) are notified by mail? +* do the notification filters, periods, intervals still apply for them? (do a cleanup during migration) +* assign users and groups to these notifications +* Redesign the notifications into generic [apply rules](03-monitoring-basics.md#using-apply-notifications) + + +The ugly workaround solution could look like this: + +Extract all contacts from the remaining groups, and create a unique list. This is required for determining +the host and service notification commands involved. + +* contact attributes `host_notification_commands` and `service_notification_commands` (can be a comma separated list) +* get the command line for each notification command and store them for later +* create a new notification name and command name + +Generate a new notification object based on these values. Import the generic template based on the type (`host` or `service`). +Assign it to the host or service and set the newly generated notification command name as `command` attribute. + +``` +object Notification "<notificationname>" { + import "mail-host-notification" + host_name = "<thishostname>" + command = "<notificationcommandname>" +``` + +Convert the `notification_options` attribute from Icinga 1.x to Icinga 2 `states` and `types`. Details +[here](23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md#manual-config-migration-hints-notification-filters). Add the notification period. + +``` + states = [ OK, Warning, Critical ] + types = [ Recovery, Problem, Custom ] + period = "24x7" +``` + +The current contact acts as `users` attribute. + +``` + users = [ "<contactwithnotificationcommand>" ] +} +``` + +Do this in a loop for all notification commands (depending if host or service contact). Once done, dump the +collected notification commands. + +The result of this migration are lots of unnecessary notification objects and commands but it will unroll +the Icinga 1.x logic into the revamped Icinga 2 notification object schema. If you are looking for code +examples, try [LConf](https://www.netways.org). + + + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Notification Filters <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-notification-filters"></a> + +Icinga 1.x defines all notification filters in an attribute called `notification_options`. Using Icinga 2 you will +have to split these values into the `states` and `types` attributes. + +> **Note** +> +> `Recovery` type requires the `Ok` state. +> `Custom` and `Problem` should always be set as `type` filter. + + Icinga 1.x option | Icinga 2 state | Icinga 2 type + ----------------------|-----------------------|------------------- + o | OK (Up for hosts) | + w | Warning | Problem + c | Critical | Problem + u | Unknown | Problem + d | Down | Problem + s | . | DowntimeStart / DowntimeEnd / DowntimeRemoved + r | Ok | Recovery + f | . | FlappingStart / FlappingEnd + n | 0 (none) | 0 (none) + . | . | Custom + + + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Escalations <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-escalations"></a> + +Escalations in Icinga 1.x are a bit tricky. By default service escalations can be applied to hosts and +hostgroups and require a defined service object. + +The following example applies a service escalation to the service `dep_svc01` and all hosts in the `hg_svcdep2` +hostgroup. The default `notification_interval` is set to `10` minutes notifying the `cg_admin` contact. +After 20 minutes (`10*2`, notification_interval * first_notification) the notification is escalated to the +`cg_ops` contactgroup until 60 minutes (`10*6`) have passed. + +``` +define service { + service_description dep_svc01 + host_name dep_hostsvc01,dep_hostsvc03 + check_command test2 + use generic-service + notification_interval 10 + contact_groups cg_admin +} + +define hostgroup { + hostgroup_name hg_svcdep2 + members dep_hostsvc03 +} + +# with hostgroup_name and service_description +define serviceescalation { + hostgroup_name hg_svcdep2 + service_description dep_svc01 + first_notification 2 + last_notification 6 + contact_groups cg_ops +} +``` + +In Icinga 2 the service and hostgroup definition will look quite the same. Save the `notification_interval` +and `contact_groups` attribute for an additional notification. + +``` +apply Service "dep_svc01" { + import "generic-service" + + check_command = "test2" + + assign where host.name == "dep_hostsvc01" + assign where host.name == "dep_hostsvc03" +} + +object HostGroup "hg_svcdep2" { + assign where host.name == "dep_hostsvc03" +} + +apply Notification "email" to Service { + import "service-mail-notification" + + interval = 10m + user_groups = [ "cg_admin" ] + + assign where service.name == "dep_svc01" && (host.name == "dep_hostsvc01" || host.name == "dep_hostsvc03") +} +``` + +Calculate the begin and end time for the newly created escalation notification: + +* begin = first_notification * notification_interval = 2 * 10m = 20m +* end = last_notification * notification_interval = 6 * 10m = 60m = 1h + +Assign the notification escalation to the service `dep_svc01` on all hosts in the hostgroup `hg_svcdep2`. + +``` +apply Notification "email-escalation" to Service { + import "service-mail-notification" + + interval = 10m + user_groups = [ "cg_ops" ] + + times = { + begin = 20m + end = 1h + } + + assign where service.name == "dep_svc01" && "hg_svcdep2" in host.groups +} +``` + +The assign rule could be made more generic and the notification be applied to more than +just this service belonging to hosts in the matched hostgroup. + + +> **Note** +> +> When the notification is escalated, Icinga 1.x suppresses notifications to the default contacts. +> In Icinga 2 an escalation is an additional notification with a defined begin and end time. The +> `email` notification will continue as normal. + + + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Dependencies <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-dependencies"></a> + +There are some dependency examples already in the [basics chapter](03-monitoring-basics.md#dependencies). Dependencies in +Icinga 1.x can be confusing in terms of which host/service is the parent and which host/service acts +as the child. + +While Icinga 1.x defines `notification_failure_criteria` and `execution_failure_criteria` as dependency +filters, this behaviour has changed in Icinga 2. There is no 1:1 migration but generally speaking +the state filter defined in the `execution_failure_criteria` defines the Icinga 2 `state` attribute. +If the state filter matches, you can define whether to disable checks and notifications or not. + +The following example describes service dependencies. If you migrate from Icinga 1.x, you will only +want to use the classic `Host-to-Host` and `Service-to-Service` dependency relationships. + +``` +define service { + service_description dep_svc01 + hostgroup_name hg_svcdep1 + check_command test2 + use generic-service +} + +define service { + service_description dep_svc02 + hostgroup_name hg_svcdep2 + check_command test2 + use generic-service +} + +define hostgroup { + hostgroup_name hg_svcdep2 + members host2 +} + +define host{ + use linux-server-template + host_name host1 + address 192.168.1.10 +} + +# with hostgroup_name and service_description +define servicedependency { + host_name host1 + dependent_hostgroup_name hg_svcdep2 + service_description dep_svc01 + dependent_service_description * + execution_failure_criteria u,c + notification_failure_criteria w,u,c + inherits_parent 1 +} +``` + +Map the dependency attributes accordingly. + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + ----------------------|--------------------- + host_name | parent_host_name + dependent_host_name | child_host_name (used in assign/ignore) + dependent_hostgroup_name | all child hosts in group (used in assign/ignore) + service_description | parent_service_name + dependent_service_description | child_service_name (used in assign/ignore) + +And migrate the host and services. + +``` +object Host "host1" { + import "linux-server-template" + address = "192.168.1.10" +} + +object HostGroup "hg_svcdep2" { + assign where host.name == "host2" +} + +apply Service "dep_svc01" { + import "generic-service" + check_command = "test2" + + assign where "hp_svcdep1" in host.groups +} + +apply Service "dep_svc02" { + import "generic-service" + check_command = "test2" + + assign where "hp_svcdep2" in host.groups +} +``` + +When it comes to the `execution_failure_criteria` and `notification_failure_criteria` attribute migration, +you will need to map the most common values, in this example `u,c` (`Unknown` and `Critical` will cause the +dependency to fail). Therefore the `Dependency` should be ok on Ok and Warning. `inherits_parents` is always +enabled. + +``` +apply Dependency "all-svc-for-hg-hg_svcdep2-on-host1-dep_svc01" to Service { + parent_host_name = "host1" + parent_service_name = "dep_svc01" + + states = [ Ok, Warning ] + disable_checks = true + disable_notifications = true + + assign where "hg_svcdep2" in host.groups +} +``` + +Host dependencies are explained in the [next chapter](23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md#manual-config-migration-hints-host-parents). + + + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Host Parents <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-host-parents"></a> + +Host parents from Icinga 1.x are migrated into `Host-to-Host` dependencies in Icinga 2. + +The following example defines the `vmware-master` host as parent host for the guest +virtual machines `vmware-vm1` and `vmware-vm2`. + +By default all hosts in the hostgroup `vmware` should get the parent assigned. This isn't really +solvable with Icinga 1.x parents, but only with host dependencies. + +``` +define host{ + use linux-server-template + host_name vmware-master + hostgroups vmware + address 192.168.1.10 +} + +define host{ + use linux-server-template + host_name vmware-vm1 + hostgroups vmware + address 192.168.27.1 + parents vmware-master +} + +define host{ + use linux-server-template + host_name vmware-vm2 + hostgroups vmware + address 192.168.28.1 + parents vmware-master +} +``` + +By default all hosts in the hostgroup `vmware` should get the parent assigned (but not the `vmware-master` +host itself). This isn't really solvable with Icinga 1.x parents, but only with host dependencies as shown +below: + +``` +define hostdependency { + dependent_hostgroup_name vmware + dependent_host_name !vmware-master + host_name vmware-master + inherits_parent 1 + notification_failure_criteria d,u + execution_failure_criteria d,u + dependency_period testconfig-24x7 +} +``` + +When migrating to Icinga 2, the parents must be changed to a newly created host dependency. + + +Map the following attributes + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + ----------------------|--------------------- + host_name | parent_host_name + dependent_host_name | child_host_name (used in assign/ignore) + dependent_hostgroup_name | all child hosts in group (used in assign/ignore) + +The Icinga 2 configuration looks like this: + +``` +object Host "vmware-master" { + import "linux-server-template" + groups += [ "vmware" ] + address = "192.168.1.10" + vars.is_vmware_master = true +} + +object Host "vmware-vm1" { + import "linux-server-template" + groups += [ "vmware" ] + address = "192.168.27.1" +} + +object Host "vmware-vm2" { + import "linux-server-template" + groups += [ "vmware" ] + address = "192.168.28.1" +} + +apply Dependency "vmware-master" to Host { + parent_host_name = "vmware-master" + + assign where "vmware" in host.groups + ignore where host.vars.is_vmware_master + ignore where host.name == "vmware-master" +} +``` + +For easier identification you could add the `vars.is_vmware_master` attribute to the `vmware-master` +host and let the dependency ignore that instead of the hardcoded host name. That's different +to the Icinga 1.x example and a best practice hint only. + + +Another way to express the same configuration would be something like: + +``` +object Host "vmware-master" { + import "linux-server-template" + groups += [ "vmware" ] + address = "192.168.1.10" +} + +object Host "vmware-vm1" { + import "linux-server-template" + groups += [ "vmware" ] + address = "192.168.27.1" + vars.parents = [ "vmware-master" ] +} + +object Host "vmware-vm2" { + import "linux-server-template" + groups += [ "vmware" ] + address = "192.168.28.1" + vars.parents = [ "vmware-master" ] +} + +apply Dependency "host-to-parent-" for (parent in host.vars.parents) to Host { + parent_host_name = parent +} +``` + +This example allows finer grained host-to-host dependency, as well as multiple dependency support. + +#### Manual Config Migration Hints for Distributed Setups <a id="manual-config-migration-hints-distributed-setup"></a> + +* Icinga 2 does not use active/passive instances calling OSCP commands and requiring the NSCA +daemon for passing check results between instances. +* Icinga 2 does not support any 1.x NEB addons for check load distribution + +* If your current setup consists of instances distributing the check load, you should consider +building a [load distribution](06-distributed-monitoring.md#distributed-monitoring-scenarios) setup with Icinga 2. +* If your current setup includes active/passive clustering with external tools like Pacemaker/DRBD, +consider the [High Availability](06-distributed-monitoring.md#distributed-monitoring-scenarios) setup. +* If you have build your own custom configuration deployment and check result collecting mechanism, +you should re-design your setup and re-evaluate your requirements, and how they may be fulfilled +using the Icinga 2 cluster capabilities. + + +## Differences between Icinga 1.x and 2 <a id="differences-1x-2"></a> + +### Configuration Format <a id="differences-1x-2-configuration-format"></a> + +Icinga 1.x supports two configuration formats: key-value-based settings in the +`icinga.cfg` configuration file and object-based in included files (`cfg_dir`, +`cfg_file`). The path to the `icinga.cfg` configuration file must be passed to +the Icinga daemon at startup. + +icinga.cfg: + +``` +enable_notifications=1 +``` + +objects.cfg: + +``` +define service { + notifications_enabled 0 +} +``` + +Icinga 2 supports objects and (global) variables, but does not make a difference +between the main configuration file or any other included file. + +icinga2.conf: + +``` +const EnableNotifications = true + +object Service "test" { + enable_notifications = false +} +``` + +#### Sample Configuration and ITL <a id="differences-1x-2-sample-configuration-itl"></a> + +While Icinga 1.x ships sample configuration and templates spread in various +object files, Icinga 2 moves all templates into the Icinga Template Library (ITL) +and includes them in the sample configuration. + +Additional plugin check commands are shipped with Icinga 2 as well. + +The ITL will be updated on every release and must not be edited by the user. + +There are still generic templates available for your convenience which may or may +not be re-used in your configuration. For instance, `generic-service` includes +all required attributes except `check_command` for a service. + +Sample configuration files are located in the `conf.d/` directory which is +included in `icinga2.conf` by default. + +> **Note** +> +> Add your own custom templates in the `conf.d/` directory as well, e.g. inside +> the [templates.conf](04-configuration.md#templates-conf) file. + +### Main Config File <a id="differences-1x-2-main-config"></a> + +In Icinga 1.x there are many global configuration settings available in `icinga.cfg`. +Icinga 2 only uses a small set of [global constants](17-language-reference.md#constants) allowing +you to specify certain different setting such as the `NodeName` in a cluster scenario. + +Aside from that, the [icinga2.conf](04-configuration.md#icinga2-conf) should take care of including +global constants, enabled [features](11-cli-commands.md#enable-features) and the object configuration. + +### Include Files and Directories <a id="differences-1x-2-include-files-dirs"></a> + +In Icinga 1.x the `icinga.cfg` file contains `cfg_file` and `cfg_dir` +directives. The `cfg_dir` directive recursively includes all files with a `.cfg` +suffix in the given directory. Only absolute paths may be used. The `cfg_file` +and `cfg_dir` directives can include the same file twice which leads to +configuration errors in Icinga 1.x. + +``` +cfg_file=/etc/icinga/objects/commands.cfg +cfg_dir=/etc/icinga/objects +``` + +Icinga 2 supports wildcard includes and relative paths, e.g. for including +`conf.d/*.conf` in the same directory. + +``` +include "conf.d/*.conf" +``` + +If you want to include files and directories recursively, you need to define +a separate option and add the directory and an optional pattern. + +``` +include_recursive "conf.d" +``` + +A global search path for includes is available for advanced features like +the Icinga Template Library (ITL) or additional monitoring plugins check +command configuration. + +``` +include <itl> +include <plugins> +``` + +By convention the `.conf` suffix is used for Icinga 2 configuration files. + +### Resource File and Global Macros <a id="differences-1x-2-resource-file-global-macros"></a> + +Global macros such as for the plugin directory, usernames and passwords can be +set in the `resource.cfg` configuration file in Icinga 1.x. By convention the +`USER1` macro is used to define the directory for the plugins. + +Icinga 2 uses global constants instead. In the default config these are +set in the `constants.conf` configuration file: + +``` +/** + * This file defines global constants which can be used in + * the other configuration files. At a minimum the + * PluginDir constant should be defined. + */ + +const PluginDir = "/usr/lib/nagios/plugins" +``` + +[Global macros](17-language-reference.md#constants) can only be defined once. Trying to modify a +global constant will result in an error. + +### Configuration Comments <a id="differences-1x-2-configuration-comments"></a> + +In Icinga 1.x comments are made using a leading hash (`#`) or a semi-colon (`;`) +for inline comments. + +In Icinga 2 comments can either be encapsulated by `/*` and `*/` (allowing for +multi-line comments) or starting with two slashes (`//`). A leading hash (`#`) +could also be used. + +### Object Names <a id="differences-1x-2-object-names"></a> + +Object names must not contain an exclamation mark (`!`). Use the `display_name` attribute +to specify user-friendly names which should be shown in UIs (supported by +Icinga Web 2 for example). + +Object names are not specified using attributes (e.g. `service_description` for +services) like in Icinga 1.x but directly after their type definition. + +``` +define service { + host_name localhost + service_description ping4 +} + +object Service "ping4" { + host_name = "localhost" +} +``` + +### Templates <a id="differences-1x-2-templates"></a> + +In Icinga 1.x templates are identified using the `register 0` setting. Icinga 2 +uses the `template` identifier: + +``` +template Service "ping4-template" { } +``` + +Icinga 1.x objects inherit from templates using the `use` attribute. +Icinga 2 uses the keyword `import` with template names in double quotes. + +``` +define service { + service_description testservice + use tmpl1,tmpl2,tmpl3 +} + +object Service "testservice" { + import "tmpl1" + import "tmpl2" + import "tmpl3" +} +``` + +The last template overrides previously set values. + +### Object attributes <a id="differences-1x-2-object-attributes"></a> + +Icinga 1.x separates attribute and value pairs with whitespaces/tabs. Icinga 2 +requires an equal sign (=) between them. + +``` +define service { + check_interval 5 +} + +object Service "test" { + check_interval = 5m +} +``` + +Please note that the default time value is seconds if no duration literal +is given. `check_interval = 5` behaves the same as `check_interval = 5s`. + +All strings require double quotes in Icinga 2. Therefore a double quote +must be escaped by a backslash (e.g. in command line). +If an attribute identifier starts with a number, it must be enclosed +in double quotes as well. + +#### Alias vs. Display Name <a id="differences-1x-2-alias-display-name"></a> + +In Icinga 1.x a host can have an `alias` and a `display_name` attribute used +for a more descriptive name. A service only can have a `display_name` attribute. +The `alias` is used for group, timeperiod, etc. objects too. +Icinga 2 only supports the `display_name` attribute which is also taken into +account by Icinga web interfaces. + +### Custom Variables <a id="differences-1x-2-custom-variables"></a> + +Icinga 2 allows you to define custom variables in the `vars` dictionary. +The `notes`, `notes_url`, `action_url`, `icon_image`, `icon_image_alt` +attributes for host and service objects are still available in Icinga 2. + +`2d_coords` and `statusmap_image` are not supported in Icinga 2. + +Icinga 1.x custom variable attributes must be prefixed using an underscore (`_`). +In Icinga 2 these attributes must be added to the `vars` dictionary as custom variables. + +``` +vars.dn = "cn=icinga2-dev-host,ou=icinga,ou=main,ou=IcingaConfig,ou=LConf,dc=icinga,dc=org" +vars.cv = "my custom cmdb description" +``` + +These custom variables are also used as [command parameters](03-monitoring-basics.md#command-passing-parameters). + +While Icinga 1.x only supports numbers and strings as custom variable values, +Icinga 2 extends that to arrays and (nested) dictionaries. For more details +look [here](03-monitoring-basics.md#custom-variables). + +### Host Service Relation <a id="differences-1x-2-host-service-relation"></a> + +In Icinga 1.x a service object is associated with a host by defining the +`host_name` attribute in the service definition. Alternate methods refer +to `hostgroup_name` or behaviour changing regular expression. + +The preferred way of associating hosts with services in Icinga 2 is by +using the [apply](03-monitoring-basics.md#using-apply) keyword. + +Direct object relations between a service and a host still allow you to use +the `host_name` [Service](09-object-types.md#objecttype-service) object attribute. + +### Users <a id="differences-1x-2-users"></a> + +Contacts have been renamed to users (same for groups). A contact does not +only provide (custom) attributes and notification commands used for notifications, +but is also used for authorization checks in Icinga 1.x. + +Icinga 2 changes that behavior and makes the user an attribute provider only. +These attributes can be accessed using [runtime macros](03-monitoring-basics.md#runtime-macros) +inside notification command definitions. + +In Icinga 2 notification commands are not directly associated with users. +Instead the notification command is specified inside `Notification` objects next to +user and user group relations. + +The `IdoMySqlConnection` and `LivestatusListener` types will +provide the contact and contactgroups attributes for services for compatibility +reasons. These values are calculated from all services, their notifications, +and their users. + +### Macros <a id="differences-1x-2-macros"></a> + +Various object attributes and runtime variables can be accessed as macros in +commands in Icinga 1.x -- Icinga 2 supports all required [custom variables](03-monitoring-basics.md#custom-variables). + +#### Command Arguments <a id="differences-1x-2-command-arguments"></a> + +If you have previously used Icinga 1.x, you may already be familiar with +user and argument definitions (e.g., `USER1` or `ARG1`). Unlike in Icinga 1.x +the Icinga 2 custom variables may have arbitrary names and arguments are no +longer specified in the `check_command` setting. + +In Icinga 1.x arguments are specified in the `check_command` attribute and +are separated from the command name using an exclamation mark (`!`). + +Please check the migration hints for a detailed +[migration example](23-migrating-from-icinga-1x.md#manual-config-migration-hints-check-command-arguments). + +> **Note** +> +> The Icinga 1.x feature named `Command Expander` does not work with Icinga 2. + +#### Environment Macros <a id="differences-1x-2-environment-macros"></a> + +The global configuration setting `enable_environment_macros` does not exist in +Icinga 2. + +Macros exported into the [environment](03-monitoring-basics.md#command-environment-variables) +can be set using the `env` attribute in command objects. + +#### Runtime Macros <a id="differences-1x-2-runtime-macros"></a> + +Icinga 2 requires an object specific namespace when accessing configuration +and stateful runtime macros. Custom variables can be accessed directly. + +If a runtime macro from Icinga 1.x is not listed here, it is not supported +by Icinga 2. + +Changes to user (contact) runtime macros + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + -----------------------|---------------------- + CONTACTNAME | user.name + CONTACTALIAS | user.display_name + CONTACTEMAIL | user.email + CONTACTPAGER | user.pager + +`CONTACTADDRESS*` is not supported but can be accessed as `$user.vars.address1$` +if set. + +Changes to service runtime macros + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + -----------------------|---------------------- + SERVICEDESC | service.name + SERVICEDISPLAYNAME | service.display_name + SERVICECHECKCOMMAND | service.check_command + SERVICESTATE | service.state + SERVICESTATEID | service.state_id + SERVICESTATETYPE | service.state_type + SERVICEATTEMPT | service.check_attempt + MAXSERVICEATTEMPT | service.max_check_attempts + LASTSERVICESTATE | service.last_state + LASTSERVICESTATEID | service.last_state_id + LASTSERVICESTATETYPE | service.last_state_type + LASTSERVICESTATECHANGE | service.last_state_change + SERVICEDOWNTIME | service.downtime_depth + SERVICEDURATIONSEC | service.duration_sec + SERVICELATENCY | service.latency + SERVICEEXECUTIONTIME | service.execution_time + SERVICEOUTPUT | service.output + SERVICEPERFDATA | service.perfdata + LASTSERVICECHECK | service.last_check + SERVICENOTES | service.notes + SERVICENOTESURL | service.notes_url + SERVICEACTIONURL | service.action_url + + +Changes to host runtime macros + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + -----------------------|---------------------- + HOSTNAME | host.name + HOSTADDRESS | host.address + HOSTADDRESS6 | host.address6 + HOSTDISPLAYNAME | host.display_name + HOSTALIAS | (use `host.display_name` instead) + HOSTCHECKCOMMAND | host.check_command + HOSTSTATE | host.state + HOSTSTATEID | host.state_id + HOSTSTATETYPE | host.state_type + HOSTATTEMPT | host.check_attempt + MAXHOSTATTEMPT | host.max_check_attempts + LASTHOSTSTATE | host.last_state + LASTHOSTSTATEID | host.last_state_id + LASTHOSTSTATETYPE | host.last_state_type + LASTHOSTSTATECHANGE | host.last_state_change + HOSTDOWNTIME | host.downtime_depth + HOSTDURATIONSEC | host.duration_sec + HOSTLATENCY | host.latency + HOSTEXECUTIONTIME | host.execution_time + HOSTOUTPUT | host.output + HOSTPERFDATA | host.perfdata + LASTHOSTCHECK | host.last_check + HOSTNOTES | host.notes + HOSTNOTESURL | host.notes_url + HOSTACTIONURL | host.action_url + TOTALSERVICES | host.num_services + TOTALSERVICESOK | host.num_services_ok + TOTALSERVICESWARNING | host.num_services_warning + TOTALSERVICESUNKNOWN | host.num_services_unknown + TOTALSERVICESCRITICAL | host.num_services_critical + +Changes to command runtime macros + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + -----------------------|---------------------- + COMMANDNAME | command.name + +Changes to notification runtime macros + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + -----------------------|---------------------- + NOTIFICATIONTYPE | notification.type + NOTIFICATIONAUTHOR | notification.author + NOTIFICATIONCOMMENT | notification.comment + NOTIFICATIONAUTHORNAME | (use `notification.author`) + NOTIFICATIONAUTHORALIAS | (use `notification.author`) + + +Changes to global runtime macros: + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + -----------------------|---------------------- + TIMET | icinga.timet + LONGDATETIME | icinga.long_date_time + SHORTDATETIME | icinga.short_date_time + DATE | icinga.date + TIME | icinga.time + PROCESSSTARTTIME | icinga.uptime + +Changes to global statistic macros: + + Icinga 1.x | Icinga 2 + ----------------------------------|---------------------- + TOTALHOSTSUP | icinga.num_hosts_up + TOTALHOSTSDOWN | icinga.num_hosts_down + TOTALHOSTSUNREACHABLE | icinga.num_hosts_unreachable + TOTALHOSTSDOWNUNHANDLED | -- + TOTALHOSTSUNREACHABLEUNHANDLED | -- + TOTALHOSTPROBLEMS | down + TOTALHOSTPROBLEMSUNHANDLED | down-(downtime+acknowledged) + TOTALSERVICESOK | icinga.num_services_ok + TOTALSERVICESWARNING | icinga.num_services_warning + TOTALSERVICESCRITICAL | icinga.num_services_critical + TOTALSERVICESUNKNOWN | icinga.num_services_unknown + TOTALSERVICESWARNINGUNHANDLED | -- + TOTALSERVICESCRITICALUNHANDLED | -- + TOTALSERVICESUNKNOWNUNHANDLED | -- + TOTALSERVICEPROBLEMS | ok+warning+critical+unknown + TOTALSERVICEPROBLEMSUNHANDLED | warning+critical+unknown-(downtime+acknowledged) + + + + +### External Commands <a id="differences-1x-2-external-commands"></a> + +`CHANGE_CUSTOM_CONTACT_VAR` was renamed to `CHANGE_CUSTOM_USER_VAR`. + +The following external commands are not supported: + +``` +CHANGE_*MODATTR +CHANGE_CONTACT_HOST_NOTIFICATION_TIMEPERIOD +CHANGE_HOST_NOTIFICATION_TIMEPERIOD +CHANGE_SVC_NOTIFICATION_TIMEPERIOD +DEL_DOWNTIME_BY_HOSTGROUP_NAME +DEL_DOWNTIME_BY_START_TIME_COMMENT +DISABLE_ALL_NOTIFICATIONS_BEYOND_HOST +DISABLE_CONTACT_HOST_NOTIFICATIONS +DISABLE_CONTACT_SVC_NOTIFICATIONS +DISABLE_CONTACTGROUP_HOST_NOTIFICATIONS +DISABLE_CONTACTGROUP_SVC_NOTIFICATIONS +DISABLE_FAILURE_PREDICTION +DISABLE_HOST_AND_CHILD_NOTIFICATIONS +DISABLE_HOST_FRESHNESS_CHECKS +DISABLE_NOTIFICATIONS_EXPIRE_TIME +DISABLE_SERVICE_FRESHNESS_CHECKS +ENABLE_ALL_NOTIFICATIONS_BEYOND_HOST +ENABLE_CONTACT_HOST_NOTIFICATIONS +ENABLE_CONTACT_SVC_NOTIFICATIONS +ENABLE_CONTACTGROUP_HOST_NOTIFICATIONS +ENABLE_CONTACTGROUP_SVC_NOTIFICATIONS +ENABLE_FAILURE_PREDICTION +ENABLE_HOST_AND_CHILD_NOTIFICATIONS +ENABLE_HOST_FRESHNESS_CHECKS +ENABLE_SERVICE_FRESHNESS_CHECKS +READ_STATE_INFORMATION +SAVE_STATE_INFORMATION +SET_HOST_NOTIFICATION_NUMBER +SET_SVC_NOTIFICATION_NUMBER +START_ACCEPTING_PASSIVE_HOST_CHECKS +START_ACCEPTING_PASSIVE_SVC_CHECKS +START_OBSESSING_OVER_HOST +START_OBSESSING_OVER_HOST_CHECKS +START_OBSESSING_OVER_SVC +START_OBSESSING_OVER_SVC_CHECKS +STOP_ACCEPTING_PASSIVE_HOST_CHECKS +STOP_ACCEPTING_PASSIVE_SVC_CHECKS +STOP_OBSESSING_OVER_HOST +STOP_OBSESSING_OVER_HOST_CHECKS +STOP_OBSESSING_OVER_SVC +STOP_OBSESSING_OVER_SVC_CHECKS +``` + +### Asynchronous Event Execution <a id="differences-1x-2-async-event-execution"></a> + +Unlike Icinga 1.x, Icinga 2 does not block when it's waiting for a command +being executed -- whether if it's a check, a notification, an event +handler, a performance data writing update, etc. That way you'll +recognize low to zero (check) latencies with Icinga 2. + +### Checks <a id="differences-1x-2-checks"></a> + +#### Check Output <a id="differences-1x-2-check-output"></a> + +Icinga 2 does not make a difference between `output` (first line) and +`long_output` (remaining lines) like in Icinga 1.x. Performance Data is +provided separately. + +There is no output length restriction as known from Icinga 1.x using an +[8KB static buffer](https://docs.icinga.com/latest/en/pluginapi.html#outputlengthrestrictions). + +The `IdoMysqlConnection` and `LivestatusListener` types +split the raw output into `output` (first line) and `long_output` (remaining +lines) for compatibility reasons. + +#### Initial State <a id="differences-1x-2-initial-state"></a> + +Icinga 1.x uses the `max_service_check_spread` setting to specify a timerange +where the initial state checks must have happened. Icinga 2 will use the +`retry_interval` setting instead and `check_interval` divided by 5 if +`retry_interval` is not defined. + +### Comments <a id="differences-1x-2-comments"></a> + +Icinga 2 doesn't support non-persistent comments. + +### Commands <a id="differences-1x-2-commands"></a> + +Unlike in Icinga 1.x there are three different command types in Icinga 2: +`CheckCommand`, `NotificationCommand`, and `EventCommand`. + +For example in Icinga 1.x it is possible to accidentally use a notification +command as an event handler which might cause problems depending on which +runtime macros are used in the notification command. + +In Icinga 2 these command types are separated and will generate an error on +configuration validation if used in the wrong context. + +While Icinga 2 still supports the complete command line in command objects, it's +recommended to use [command arguments](03-monitoring-basics.md#command-arguments) +with optional and conditional command line parameters instead. + +It's also possible to define default argument values for the command itself +which can be overridden by the host or service then. + +#### Command Timeouts <a id="differences-1x-2-commands-timeouts"></a> + +In Icinga 1.x there were two global options defining a host and service check +timeout. This was essentially bad when there only was a couple of check plugins +requiring some command timeouts to be extended. + +Icinga 2 allows you to specify the command timeout directly on the command. So, +if your VMVware check plugin takes 15 minutes, [increase the timeout](09-object-types.md#objecttype-checkcommand) +accordingly. + + +### Groups <a id="differences-1x-2-groups"></a> + +In Icinga 2 hosts, services, and users are added to groups using the `groups` +attribute in the object. The old way of listing all group members in the group's +`members` attribute is available through `assign where` and `ignore where` +expressions by using [group assign](03-monitoring-basics.md#group-assign-intro). + +``` +object Host "web-dev" { + import "generic-host" +} + +object HostGroup "dev-hosts" { + display_name = "Dev Hosts" + assign where match("*-dev", host.name) +} +``` + +#### Add Service to Hostgroup where Host is Member <a id="differences-1x-2-service-hostgroup-host"></a> + +In order to associate a service with all hosts in a host group the [apply](03-monitoring-basics.md#using-apply) +keyword can be used: + +``` +apply Service "ping4" { + import "generic-service" + + check_command = "ping4" + + assign where "dev-hosts" in host.groups +} +``` + +### Notifications <a id="differences-1x-2-notifications"></a> + +Notifications are a new object type in Icinga 2. Imagine the following +notification configuration problem in Icinga 1.x: + +* Service A should notify contact X via SMS +* Service B should notify contact X via Mail +* Service C should notify contact Y via Mail and SMS +* Contact X and Y should also be used for authorization + +The only way achieving a semi-clean solution is to + +* Create contact X-sms, set service_notification_command for sms, assign contact + to service A +* Create contact X-mail, set service_notification_command for mail, assign + contact to service B +* Create contact Y, set service_notification_command for sms and mail, assign + contact to service C +* Create contact X without notification commands, assign to service A and B + +Basically you are required to create duplicated contacts for either each +notification method or used for authorization only. + +Icinga 2 attempts to solve that problem in this way + +* Create user X, set SMS and Mail attributes, used for authorization +* Create user Y, set SMS and Mail attributes, used for authorization +* Create notification A-SMS, set command for sms, add user X, + assign notification A-SMS to service A +* Create notification B-Mail, set command for mail, add user X, + assign notification Mail to service B +* Create notification C-SMS, set command for sms, add user Y, + assign notification C-SMS to service C +* Create notification C-Mail, set command for mail, add user Y, + assign notification C-Mail to service C + +Previously in Icinga 1.x it looked like this: + +``` +service -> (contact, contactgroup) -> notification command +``` + +In Icinga 2 it will look like this: + +``` +Service -> Notification -> NotificationCommand + -> User, UserGroup +``` + +#### Escalations <a id="differences-1x-2-escalations"></a> + +Escalations in Icinga 1.x require a separated object matching on existing +objects. Escalations happen between a defined start and end time which is +calculated from the notification_interval: + +``` +start = notification start + (notification_interval * first_notification) +end = notification start + (notification_interval * last_notification) +``` + +In theory first_notification and last_notification can be set to readable +numbers. In practice users are manipulating those attributes in combination +with notification_interval in order to get a start and end time. + +In Icinga 2 the notification object can be used as notification escalation +if the start and end times are defined within the 'times' attribute using +duration literals (e.g. 30m). + +The Icinga 2 escalation does not replace the current running notification. +In Icinga 1.x it's required to copy the contacts from the service notification +to the escalation to guarantee the normal notifications once an escalation +happens. +That's not necessary with Icinga 2 only requiring an additional notification +object for the escalation itself. + +#### Notification Options <a id="differences-1x-2-notification-options"></a> + +Unlike Icinga 1.x with the 'notification_options' attribute with comma-separated +state and type filters, Icinga 2 uses two configuration attributes for that. +All state and type filter use long names OR'd with a pipe together + +``` +notification_options w,u,c,r,f,s + +states = [ Warning, Unknown, Critical ] +types = [ Problem, Recovery, FlappingStart, FlappingEnd, DowntimeStart, DowntimeEnd, DowntimeRemoved ] +``` + +Icinga 2 adds more fine-grained type filters for acknowledgements, downtime, +and flapping type (start, end, ...). + +### Dependencies and Parents <a id="differences-1x-2-dependencies-parents"></a> + +In Icinga 1.x it's possible to define host parents to determine network reachability +and keep a host's state unreachable rather than down. +Furthermore there are host and service dependencies preventing unnecessary checks and +notifications. A host must not depend on a service, and vice versa. All dependencies +are configured as separate objects and cannot be set directly on the host or service +object. + +A service can now depend on a host, and vice versa. A service has an implicit dependency +(parent) to its host. A host to host dependency acts implicitly as host parent relation. + +The former `host_name` and `dependent_host_name` have been renamed to `parent_host_name` +and `child_host_name` (same for the service attribute). When using apply rules the +child attributes may be omitted. + +For detailed examples on how to use the dependencies please check the [dependencies](03-monitoring-basics.md#dependencies) +chapter. + +Dependencies can be applied to hosts or services using the [apply rules](17-language-reference.md#apply). + +The `IdoMysqlConnection` and `LivestatusListener` types +support the Icinga 1.x schema with dependencies and parent attributes for +compatibility reasons. + +### Flapping <a id="differences-1x-2-flapping"></a> + +The Icinga 1.x flapping detection uses the last 21 states of a service. This +value is hardcoded and cannot be changed. The algorithm on determining a flapping state +is as follows: + +``` +flapping value = (number of actual state changes / number of possible state changes) +``` + +The flapping value is then compared to the low and high flapping thresholds. + +The algorithm used in Icinga 2 does not store the past states but calculates the flapping +threshold from a single value based on counters and half-life values. Icinga 2 compares +the value with a single flapping threshold configuration attribute. + +### Check Result Freshness <a id="differences-1x-2-check-result-freshness"></a> + +Freshness of check results must be enabled explicitly in Icinga 1.x. The attribute +`freshness_threshold` defines the threshold in seconds. Once the threshold is triggered, an +active freshness check is executed defined by the `check_command` attribute. Both check +methods (active and passive) use the same freshness check method. + +In Icinga 2 active check freshness is determined by the `check_interval` attribute and no +incoming check results in that period of time (last check + check interval). Passive check +freshness is calculated from the `check_interval` attribute if set. There is no extra +`freshness_threshold` attribute in Icinga 2. If the freshness checks are invalid, a new +service check is forced. + +### Real Reload <a id="differences-1x-2-real-reload"></a> + +In Nagios / Icinga 1.x a daemon reload does the following: + +* receive reload signal SIGHUP +* stop all events (checks, notifications, etc.) +* read the configuration from disk and validate all config objects in a single threaded fashion +* validation NOT ok: stop the daemon (cannot restore old config state) +* validation ok: start with new objects, dump status.dat / ido + +Unlike Icinga 1.x the Icinga 2 daemon reload does not block any event +execution during config validation: + +* receive reload signal SIGHUP +* fork a child process, start configuration validation in parallel work queues +* parent process continues with old configuration objects and the event scheduling +(doing checks, replicating cluster events, triggering alert notifications, etc.) +* validation NOT ok: child process terminates, parent process continues with old configuration state +(this is **essential** for the [cluster config synchronisation](06-distributed-monitoring.md#distributed-monitoring-top-down-config-sync)) +* validation ok: child process signals parent process to terminate and save its current state +(all events until now) into the icinga2 state file +* parent process shuts down writing icinga2.state file +* child process waits for parent process gone, reads the icinga2 state file and synchronizes all historical and status data +* child becomes the new session leader + +The DB IDO configuration dump and status/historical event updates use a queue +not blocking event execution. Same goes for any other enabled feature. +The configuration validation itself runs in parallel allowing fast verification checks. + +That way your monitoring does not stop during a configuration reload. + + +### State Retention <a id="differences-1x-2-state-retention"></a> + +Icinga 1.x uses the `retention.dat` file to save its state in order to be able +to reload it after a restart. In Icinga 2 this file is called `icinga2.state`. + +The format is **not** compatible with Icinga 1.x. + +### Logging <a id="differences-1x-2-logging"></a> + +Icinga 1.x supports syslog facilities and writes its own `icinga.log` log file +and archives. These logs are used in Icinga 1.x to generate +historical reports. + +Icinga 2 compat library provides the CompatLogger object which writes the icinga.log and archive +in Icinga 1.x format in order to stay compatible with addons. + +The native Icinga 2 logging facilities are split into three configuration objects: SyslogLogger, +FileLogger, StreamLogger. Each of them has their own severity and target configuration. + +The Icinga 2 daemon log does not log any alerts but is considered an application log only. + +### Broker Modules and Features <a id="differences-1x-2-broker-modules-features"></a> + +Icinga 1.x broker modules are incompatible with Icinga 2. + +In order to provide compatibility with Icinga 1.x the functionality of several +popular broker modules was implemented for Icinga 2: + +* IDOUtils +* Livestatus +* Cluster (allows for high availability and load balancing) + + +### Distributed Monitoring <a id="differences-1x-2-distributed-monitoring"></a> + +Icinga 1.x uses the native "obsess over host/service" method which requires the NSCA addon +passing the slave's check results passively onto the master's external command pipe. +While this method may be used for check load distribution, it does not provide any configuration +distribution out-of-the-box. Furthermore comments, downtimes, and other stateful runtime data is +not synced between the master and slave nodes. There are addons available solving the check +and configuration distribution problems Icinga 1.x distributed monitoring currently suffers from. + +Icinga 2 implements a new built-in +[distributed monitoring architecture](06-distributed-monitoring.md#distributed-monitoring-scenarios), +including config and check distribution, IPv4/IPv6 support, TLS certificates and zone support for DMZ. +High Availability and load balancing are also part of the Icinga 2 Cluster feature, next to local replay +logs on connection loss ensuring that the event history is kept in sync. |