Definition
Performance monitoring involves observing and measuring the behavior of systems, applications, or processes to ensure they are operating efficiently and effectively. It entails collecting data on key metrics such as response times, resource utilization, error rates, and throughput. This practice is crucial for identifying bottlenecks, detecting anomalies, and proactively addressing issues before they impact users or business objectives. For instance, a web server administrator might monitor CPU load and network traffic to ensure a website remains responsive during peak hours. This differs from simple logging, which primarily records events, whereas monitoring focuses on quantifiable performance indicators. Performance monitoring is a key concept tested in domains like IT Operations and System Administration on various certifications.