CloudWatch Logs Insights

Let me break down the key differences between CloudWatch Logs and CloudWatch Logs Insights:

1. Core Purpose:

CloudWatch Logs          | CloudWatch Logs Insights
------------------------|-------------------------
Raw log storage         | Log analysis tool
Log collection          | Query and visualization
Basic filtering         | Advanced querying
Real-time monitoring    | Historical analysis

1. Key Features:

CloudWatch Logs:

• Log collection and storage

• Basic search/filter

• Log groups and streams

• Retention settings

• Metric filters

• Basic alerting

CloudWatch Logs Insights:

• SQL-like query language

• Interactive query builder

• Time-series visualization

• Pattern matching

• Field extraction

• Quick query templates

• Aggregations and statistics

1. Query Capabilities:

Feature              | Logs         | Logs Insights
---------------------|--------------|---------------
Search complexity    | Basic        | Advanced
Query language       | None         | Custom syntax
Field extraction    | Limited      | Automatic
Aggregations        | No           | Yes
Joins               | No           | Yes
Sample queries      | No           | Yes
Query save/share    | No           | Yes

1. Common Use Cases:

CloudWatch Logs:

• Real-time log monitoring

• Basic troubleshooting

• Compliance archival

• Simple pattern matching

• Metric generation

Logs Insights:

• Performance analysis

• Error investigation

• Security analysis

• Usage patterns

• Custom dashboards

• Trend analysis

1. Cost Considerations:

CloudWatch Logs:
- Ingestion costs
- Storage costs
- API request costs

Logs Insights:
- Query processing costs
- Data scanned costs
- Additional to log costs

Key Points:

1. Logs Insights works on top of CloudWatch Logs

2. Insights queries can span multiple log groups

3. Insights has a learning curve but more powerful

4. Both services complement each other

Would you like me to elaborate on any specific aspect or provide query examples?