The data_streams.lifecycle.poll_interval setting in Elasticsearch controls how frequently the system checks for and executes lifecycle policy actions on data streams. This setting is crucial for managing the lifecycle of data streams efficiently.
- Default value: 5m (5 minutes)
- Possible values: Time value (e.g., 30s, 1m, 2h)
- Recommendation: The default value is suitable for most use cases. Adjust based on your specific needs and system resources.
This setting determines the interval at which Elasticsearch checks if any lifecycle actions need to be executed on data streams. A shorter interval means more frequent checks but may increase system load, while a longer interval reduces overhead but may delay policy actions.
This setting is available in Elasticsearch version 7.13 and later.
Example
To change the poll interval to 10 minutes using the cluster settings API:
PUT _cluster/settings
{
"persistent": {
"data_streams.lifecycle.poll_interval": "10m"
}
}
Reasons for changing:
- To reduce system load in large clusters with many data streams
- To execute lifecycle actions more promptly in time-sensitive scenarios
Effects:
- Shorter intervals may increase CPU usage
- Longer intervals may delay policy actions but reduce system overhead
Common Issues
- Setting the interval too short can lead to unnecessary system load
- Very long intervals may cause delays in executing important lifecycle actions
Do's and Don'ts
Do's:
- Adjust the setting based on your specific use case and system resources
- Monitor system performance after changing this setting
- Consider the number and size of your data streams when setting the interval
Don'ts:
- Don't set the interval too short (less than 1 minute) unless absolutely necessary
- Avoid very long intervals if you have time-sensitive lifecycle actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does this setting affect Index Lifecycle Management (ILM)?
A: While this setting is specific to data streams, it works similarly to the ILM poll interval. It determines how often Elasticsearch checks for and executes lifecycle actions on data streams.
Q: Can changing this setting impact performance?
A: Yes, setting a very short interval can increase CPU usage and system load, especially in large clusters with many data streams.
Q: Is it possible to disable the lifecycle checks for data streams?
A: No, you cannot completely disable the checks. However, you can set a very long interval if you want to minimize the frequency of checks.
Q: How does this setting interact with the ILM poll interval?
A: This setting is independent of the ILM poll interval. It specifically controls the lifecycle checks for data streams, while the ILM poll interval affects index lifecycle management.
Q: Should I change this setting in a production environment?
A: It's generally safe to adjust this setting in production, but monitor your system's performance after making changes. Start with small adjustments and test thoroughly before making significant changes.
