Defining Observability and Its Evolution

Observability has evolved alongside the complexity of modern software systems, requiring a deeper understanding than traditional monitoring offers. Monitoring was initially focused on identifying system failures through charts and metrics, but as systems became more sophisticated and distributed, this approach fell short. Observability borrows concepts from control theory, emphasizing the need for comprehensive telemetry that captures system behavior, akin to understanding black boxes. By recognizing observability as a spectrum, developers can appreciate the range from basic monitoring to advanced analytical capabilities that facilitate real-time insights and troubleshooting.