Functionbeat Deployment on Linux | Easy Setup Tutorial

When working to simplify log data collection and shipping on Linux servers at IOFLOOD, we found that Functionbeat’s design and integrations with cloud platforms make it a valuable tool. We have created today’s article with the goal of providing instructions on installing Functionbeat in Linux, enabling our customers to optimize log management services on their dedicated cloud server host.

In this guide, we will navigate the process of installing Functionbeat on your Linux system. We will provide you with installation instructions for Debian and Ubuntu using APT package management, and CentOS and AlmaLinux using YUM package manager. We’ll delve into advanced topics like compiling Functionbeat from source, installing a specific version, and finally, we will show you how to use Functionbeat and ascertain that the correctly installed version is in use.

Let’s get started with the step-by-step Functionbeat installation on your Linux system!

TL;DR: How Do I Install Functionbeat in Linux?

To install Functionbeat on Linux on Debian-based systems like Ubuntu, use sudo apt-get install functionbeat. For RPM-based systems like CentOS, use sudo yum install functionbeat. You can also install the Functionbeat package from the official Elastic website. After downloading, you extract the package and then run the 'install' command.

For example:

wget https://artifacts.elastic.co/downloads/beats/functionbeat/functionbeat-7.14.1-amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i functionbeat-7.14.1-amd64.deb

# Output:
# (Reading database ... 160837 files and directories currently installed.)
# Preparing to unpack functionbeat-7.14.1-amd64.deb ...
# Unpacking functionbeat (7.14.1) over (7.14.1) ...
# Setting up functionbeat (7.14.1) ...

This is a basic way to install Functionbeat in Linux, but there’s much more to learn about installing and using Functionbeat. Continue reading for more detailed information and advanced usage scenarios.

Basic Installation of Functionbeat

Functionbeat is a shipper in the Beats family that you install as a function in your serverless environment. It listens to cloud events, collects data, and then sends it to Elasticsearch or Logstash. This tool is particularly useful for monitoring serverless applications in a Linux environment.

Installing Functionbeat with APT

For Debian-based Linux distributions like Ubuntu, you can use the APT package manager to install Functionbeat. Here’s how:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install functionbeat

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# functionbeat is already the newest version (7.14.1).
# 0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.

In this code block, we first update the APT package list to ensure we have the most recent version of all packages. We then install Functionbeat using the ‘apt-get install’ command. The output confirms that Functionbeat has been installed successfully.

Installing Functionbeat with YUM

For RPM-based Linux distributions like CentOS or AlmaLinux, you can use the YUM package manager to install Functionbeat. Here’s how:

sudo yum update
sudo yum install functionbeat

# Output:
# Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, ovl
# Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
# Package functionbeat-7.14.1-1.x86_64 already installed and latest version
# Nothing to do

In this code block, we first update the YUM package list to ensure we have the most recent version of all packages. We then install Functionbeat using the ‘yum install’ command. The output confirms that Functionbeat has been installed successfully.

Advanced Installation in Functionbeat

As you become more familiar with Functionbeat, you might want to explore more advanced installation options, such as installing from source or installing different versions of the software. You might also want to delve into configuring Functionbeat to monitor specific functions.

Installing Functionbeat from Source

If you want the absolute latest version of Functionbeat, or if you want to modify the source code yourself, you can install Functionbeat from source. Here’s how:

git clone https://github.com/elastic/beats.git
cd beats/functionbeat
make

# Output:
# Cloning into 'beats'...
# remote: Enumerating objects: 311631, done.
# remote: Counting objects: 100% (1047/1047), done.
# remote: Compressing objects: 100% (429/429), done.
# remote: Total 311631 (delta 653), reused 932 (delta 609), pack-reused 310584
# Receiving objects: 100% (311631/311631), 130.34 MiB | 14.67 MiB/s, done.
# Resolving deltas: 100% (203233/203233), done.
# Updating files: 100% (5367/5367), done.

In this code block, we first clone the Beats repository from GitHub. We then navigate into the Functionbeat directory and compile the source code using the ‘make’ command. The output confirms the successful cloning and building of Functionbeat.

Installing Different Versions of Functionbeat

There may be instances where you need to install a specific version of Functionbeat. This could be due to compatibility issues, or because certain features are only available in specific versions. Here’s how you can install a specific version using APT and YUM:

Installing Specific Version with APT

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install functionbeat=7.14.1

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# functionbeat is already the newest version (7.14.1).
# 0 upgraded, 0 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.

Installing Specific Version with YUM

sudo yum update
sudo yum install functionbeat-7.14.1-1

# Output:
# Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, ovl
# Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile
# Package functionbeat-7.14.1-1.x86_64 already installed and latest version
# Nothing to do

In these code blocks, we specify the version of Functionbeat that we want to install by appending ‘=version’ for APT or ‘-version’ for YUM to the package name.

Comparing Functionbeat Versions

Different versions of Functionbeat may have different features or compatibility considerations. Here’s a brief comparison of some recent versions:

Basic Functionbeat Usage

Once you’ve installed Functionbeat, you can start using it to monitor specific functions. Here’s a basic example of how to use Functionbeat:

functionbeat -e -c functionbeat.yml -d "*"

# Output:
# Functionbeat is running! Hit CTRL-C to stop it.

In this code block, we run Functionbeat with the ‘-e’ flag to enable logging to stderr, the ‘-c’ flag to specify the configuration file, and the ‘-d “*”‘ flag to enable debug output for all selectors. The output confirms that Functionbeat is running.

Verifying Functionbeat Installation

To confirm that Functionbeat is installed correctly, you can use the ‘functionbeat version’ command:

functionbeat version

# Output:
# functionbeat version 7.14.1 (amd64), libbeat 7.14.1 [f27399d8e8eb83c9952c8c475a6c2a21f9ac0375 built 2021-07-29 21:22:25 +0000 UTC]

The output shows the installed version of Functionbeat, which confirms that the installation was successful.

Alternate Serverless App Monitors

While Functionbeat is a powerful tool for serverless application monitoring in Linux, it’s not the only option. There are other methods and tools in the Elastic Stack that can be utilized for the same purpose. Let’s explore some of these alternatives.

Using Filebeat for Log Collection

Filebeat is another member of the Beats family that specializes in forwarding and centralizing log data. It’s installed as an agent on your servers and monitors the log files or locations that you specify, collects log events, and forwards them to Elasticsearch or Logstash.

Here’s an example of how to install Filebeat and configure it to monitor a log file:

sudo apt-get install filebeat
sudo nano /etc/filebeat/filebeat.yml

# Add the following to the filebeat.yml file:
filebeat.inputs:
- type: log
  enabled: true
  paths:
    - /var/log/*.log

# Save and exit
sudo systemctl start filebeat

# Output:
# No output if the command is successful

In this code block, we first install Filebeat using the ‘apt-get install’ command. We then open the Filebeat configuration file and add a new input that tells Filebeat to monitor all log files in the ‘/var/log’ directory. Finally, we start Filebeat using the ‘systemctl start’ command.

Using Metricbeat for System Monitoring

Metricbeat is a lightweight shipper that you can install on your servers to periodically collect metrics from the operating system and from services running on the server. Metricbeat takes the metrics and statistics that it collects and ships them to the output that you specify, such as Elasticsearch or Logstash.

Here’s an example of how to install Metricbeat and configure it to monitor system metrics:

sudo apt-get install metricbeat
sudo nano /etc/metricbeat/metricbeat.yml

# Add the following to the metricbeat.yml file:
metricbeat.modules:
- module: system
  metricsets:
    - cpu
    - load
    - memory
  enabled: true
  period: 10s

# Save and exit
sudo systemctl start metricbeat

# Output:
# No output if the command is successful

In this code block, we first install Metricbeat using the ‘apt-get install’ command. We then open the Metricbeat configuration file and add a new module that tells Metricbeat to monitor CPU, load, and memory metrics every 10 seconds. Finally, we start Metricbeat using the ‘systemctl start’ command.

Comparing Functionbeat, Filebeat, and Metricbeat

While all three Beats have their uses, they each have their strengths and weaknesses depending on the use case:

In conclusion, while Functionbeat is a powerful tool for serverless application monitoring in Linux, there are other tools in the Elastic Stack that can complement or even replace Functionbeat depending on your needs. It’s important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each tool and to choose the right tool for the job.

Troubleshooting Tips for Functionbeat

While installing and using Functionbeat on Linux, you may encounter some common issues. Here, we discuss these issues and provide solutions to help you navigate through them.

Issue 1: Missing Dependencies

While installing Functionbeat, you might encounter errors related to missing dependencies. This is common when you’re installing Functionbeat on a new or minimal Linux installation. Here’s an example:

sudo apt-get install functionbeat

# Output:
# Reading package lists... Done
# Building dependency tree
# Reading state information... Done
# You might want to run 'apt --fix-broken install' to correct these.
# The following packages have unmet dependencies:
#  functionbeat : Depends: libpcap0.8 (>= 0.9.8) but it is not installable
# E: Unmet dependencies. Try 'apt --fix-broken install' with no packages (or specify a solution).

In this case, the solution is to install the missing dependencies using the ‘apt-get install’ command. For instance, if you’re missing the ‘libpcap0.8’ package, you would install it like this:

sudo apt-get install libpcap0.8

Issue 2: Functionbeat Service Not Starting

Another common issue is that the Functionbeat service does not start after installation. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as incorrect configuration or insufficient permissions. Here’s how you can diagnose and fix this issue:

sudo systemctl status functionbeat

# Output:
# ● functionbeat.service - Functionbeat sends log files to Logstash or directly to Elasticsearch.
#    Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/functionbeat.service; disabled; vendor preset: enabled)
#    Active: inactive (dead)
#      Docs: https://www.elastic.co/products/beats/functionbeat

In this case, the output shows that the Functionbeat service is ‘inactive (dead)’. To fix this, you would first check the Functionbeat logs for any error messages. If the logs do not provide a clear solution, you can try to start the service manually using the ‘systemctl start’ command:

sudo systemctl start functionbeat

Remember, troubleshooting is a crucial part of working with any software. If you encounter any issues not listed here, don’t hesitate to consult the official Functionbeat documentation or seek help from the Elastic community.

Explained: Serverless App Monitors

Before we delve deeper into Functionbeat and its usage, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of serverless application monitoring in Linux. Let’s embark on this journey to better comprehend the concepts underlying Functionbeat.

The Concept of Serverless Computing

Serverless computing is a cloud computing model where the cloud provider dynamically manages the allocation of machine resources. Despite the name ‘serverless’, servers are still involved. The term ‘serverless’ comes from the idea that the tasks traditionally performed by servers are abstracted away from the developer.

In a serverless architecture, you can build and run applications without thinking about servers. You no longer have to provision, scale, and maintain servers to run your applications, databases, and storage systems.

The Need for Monitoring Serverless Applications

With the shift to serverless computing, the need to monitor these applications has become crucial. Serverless applications are distributed by nature, and they involve many moving parts that can fail or cause performance issues.

Monitoring serverless applications helps ensure their smooth operation. It allows you to track these applications’ performance, identify potential issues, and troubleshoot problems when they arise.

Here’s an example of how you can monitor a serverless application in Linux using Functionbeat:

functionbeat -e -c functionbeat.yml -d "*"

# Output:
# Functionbeat is running! Hit CTRL-C to stop it.

In this code block, we run Functionbeat with the ‘-e’ flag to enable logging to stderr, the ‘-c’ flag to specify the configuration file, and the ‘-d “*”‘ flag to enable debug output for all selectors. The output confirms that Functionbeat is running, which means it’s now monitoring your serverless applications.

The Role of Functionbeat in Serverless Monitoring

Functionbeat plays a critical role in serverless application monitoring. It’s a lightweight shipper that you install as a function in your serverless environment. It listens to cloud events, collects data, and then sends this data to Elasticsearch or Logstash for analysis.

By using Functionbeat, you can gain valuable insights into your serverless applications’ performance and troubleshoot any issues that arise. This makes Functionbeat an indispensable tool for any Linux user working with serverless applications.

Uses Beyond Functionbeat

While we’ve focused on Functionbeat and its role in serverless application monitoring, it’s crucial to understand how this fits into the broader context of system administration and security. In particular, serverless application monitoring is closely tied to the concepts of log analysis and performance monitoring.

The Role of Serverless Application Monitoring in System Administration

As a system administrator, you’re responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of your systems. This includes monitoring the performance of your applications, identifying potential issues, and troubleshooting problems when they arise.

Serverless application monitoring is a vital part of this process. By monitoring your serverless applications, you can gain valuable insights into their performance, identify potential issues, and troubleshoot problems when they arise. This enables you to maintain high levels of system performance and reliability.

Serverless Application Monitoring and Security

Security is a critical concern in any computing environment, and serverless is no exception. Serverless application monitoring can play a crucial role in maintaining the security of your systems.

By monitoring your serverless applications, you can identify suspicious activity that could indicate a security breach. For example, if you notice a sudden spike in function invocations or data transfer, this could indicate that an attacker is trying to exploit your system.

Exploring Related Concepts: Log Analysis and Performance Monitoring

Serverless application monitoring is closely tied to the concepts of log analysis and performance monitoring. Log analysis involves examining the logs generated by your applications to identify patterns, troubleshoot issues, and gain insights into your applications’ behavior.

Performance monitoring, on the other hand, involves tracking various metrics related to your applications’ performance, such as response times, error rates, and resource usage. This can help you identify performance bottlenecks and optimize your applications for better performance.

Further Resources for Mastering Functionbeat

To deepen your understanding of Functionbeat and serverless application monitoring, here are some additional resources you may find helpful:

• Guide to Serverless Technologies – An eBook offering an in-depth exploration of various serverless technologies and their applications.

• Serverless Monitoring – Learn about monitoring serverless applications using Elastic tools for improved performance and reliability.

• Elastic Functionbeat Documentation – Official documentation for Elastic Functionbeat, a serverless shipper for cloud data monitoring.

Recap: Functionbeat Install Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve delved deep into the world of Functionbeat, a powerful tool for monitoring serverless applications in Linux. We’ve shed light on its installation, usage, and the common issues one might face, and we’ve provided solutions to help you navigate these challenges.

We began with the basics, discussing how to install Functionbeat in Linux. We then ventured into more advanced territory, exploring how to install Functionbeat from source and how to install different versions of Functionbeat. We also discussed how to use Functionbeat to monitor specific functions, providing code examples and output for each step.

Along the way, we tackled common challenges you might encounter when installing and using Functionbeat, such as missing dependencies and the Functionbeat service not starting. We provided solutions and workarounds for each issue, equipping you with the knowledge to overcome these obstacles.

We also looked at alternative approaches to serverless application monitoring, comparing Functionbeat with other tools in the Elastic Stack like Filebeat and Metricbeat. Here’s a quick comparison of these tools:

Whether you’re just starting out with Functionbeat or you’re looking to level up your serverless application monitoring skills, we hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding of Functionbeat and its capabilities.

With its focus on serverless application monitoring, Functionbeat is a powerful tool for any Linux user working with serverless applications. Now, you’re well equipped to enjoy the benefits of Functionbeat. Happy monitoring!