How can you update an existing span-based metric?

When managing an existing span-based metric, Datadog allows for flexibility in refining the data it represents without creating a new metric from scratch. Users can modify the logic that determines which spans are included by changing the stream filter query. Additionally, users can adjust how the metric data is broken down and tagged by changing the aggregation groups or dimensions. However, core identifiers like the metric's name and its type (e.g., count, gauge, distribution) are immutable after creation to ensure historical data consistency.

A. Change the metric type or name: These attributes are immutable after the metric is created to prevent corruption of historical data associated with that metric name.

B. Change the stream filter query: This is correct, but incomplete. You can also change the aggregation groups, making option D the most comprehensive answer.

C. Change the aggregation groups or dimensions: This is correct, but incomplete. You can also change the filter query, making option D the most comprehensive answer.

1. Datadog Documentation, "Generate Metrics from Spans". (docs.datadoghq.com/tracing/generatemetrics/). In the section on managing metrics, the documentation states: "To edit a metric... You can change the filter query and the aggregation groups. The metric name and type cannot be changed."