# GreptimeDB

> Introduction to GreptimeDB, an open-source observability database for metrics, logs, and traces, with links to getting started, user guide, contributor guide, and more.

# Introduction

    

**GreptimeDB** is an open-source observability database that handles metrics, logs, and traces in one engine. Use it as the single OpenTelemetry backend — replacing Prometheus, Loki, and Elasticsearch with one database built on object storage. Query with [SQL](/user-guide/query-data/sql.md) and [PromQL](/user-guide/query-data/promql.md), scale without pain, cut costs up to 50x.

## Why GreptimeDB

**Replace three systems with one.** Most teams run Prometheus for metrics, Loki or ELK for logs, and Elasticsearch or Tempo for traces — three systems, three query languages, three sets of operational overhead. GreptimeDB unifies all three in a single engine with native OpenTelemetry support.

**Cut costs up to 50x.** Object storage (S3, Azure Blob, GCS) as primary data store with compute-storage separation. Compute nodes scale independently. Written in Rust with columnar storage and advanced compression for maximum efficiency.

**Drop-in compatible.** [PromQL](/user-guide/query-data/promql.md), [Prometheus remote write](/user-guide/ingest-data/for-observability/prometheus.md), [Jaeger](/user-guide/query-data/jaeger.md), [MySQL](/user-guide/protocols/mysql.md), [PostgreSQL](/user-guide/protocols/postgresql.md) protocols — migrate without rewriting queries. [SQL](/user-guide/query-data/sql.md) + [PromQL](/user-guide/query-data/promql.md) dual query capability means one database replaces your metrics store + data warehouse combo.

Learn more in [Why GreptimeDB](/user-guide/concepts/why-greptimedb.md) and [Observability 2.0](/user-guide/concepts/observability-2.md).

Before getting started, please read the following documents that include instructions for setting up, fundamental concepts, architectural designs, and tutorials:

- [Getting Started][1]: Provides an introduction to GreptimeDB for those who are new to it, including installation and database operations.
- [User Guide][2]: For application developers to use GreptimeDB or build custom integration.
- [GreptimeCloud][6]: For users of GreptimeCloud to get started.
- [Contributor Guide][3]: For contributors interested in learning more about the technical details and enhancing GreptimeDB.
- [Roadmap][7]: The latest GreptimeDB roadmap.
- [Release Notes][4]: Presents all historical version release notes.
- [FAQ][5]: Provides answers to the most frequently asked questions.

[1]: ./getting-started/overview.md
[2]: ./user-guide/overview.md
[3]: ./contributor-guide/overview.md
[4]: /release-notes
[5]: ./faq-and-others/faq.md
[6]: ./greptimecloud/overview.md
[7]: https://greptime.com/blogs/2026-02-11-greptimedb-roadmap-2026