The second installment of a three-part series on monitoring Apache Cassandra explores various methods for collecting Cassandra metrics, essential for understanding the performance and resource utilization of the database. The post outlines options ranging from lightweight tools like nodetool and JConsole to more sophisticated JMX and Metrics integrations with external monitoring services. Nodetool, a command-line utility, provides quick snapshots of cluster health and node statistics, while JConsole offers a graphical interface for exploring a comprehensive set of metrics via JMX. For deeper insights into long-term trends and correlations, the article suggests employing advanced monitoring systems that integrate Cassandra metrics with other technologies in the stack. The text emphasizes the importance of using powerful monitoring solutions in production environments, highlighting Datadog’s capabilities for efficient Cassandra cluster monitoring.