Logstash CSV: Import & Parse Your Data [Hands-on Examples]

The tutorial provides a detailed guide on how to import and parse CSV data using Logstash, which is then indexed into Elasticsearch. It explains that CSV is a widely used file format for storing tabular data, often employing commas as delimiters, though this can vary. The process involves setting up a directory to store CSV files, downloading sample data, and configuring Logstash with an input file path to read the data from the beginning. The filter section in the Logstash configuration specifies the CSV format, including the column names and delimiter, while the output section directs the parsed data to be stored in an Elasticsearch index. The tutorial also covers the use of the mutate filter plugin in Logstash to convert data types and remove unnecessary fields, ensuring data is formatted correctly before being imported. Throughout the tutorial, commands are provided to facilitate data handling and verify the changes made to the data structure within Elasticsearch, showcasing how to customize import operations to meet specific data processing needs.