InfluxDB key concepts

This page documents an earlier version of InfluxDB OSS. InfluxDB 3 Core is the latest stable version.

API token hashing is enabled by default in InfluxDB OSS 2.9.0

Stronger token security: tokens are stored as hashes on disk, so a copy of the database file doesn’t expose usable tokens. Existing tokens are hashed on first startup and the original strings can’t be recovered afterward — capture any plaintext tokens you still need before you upgrade.

For more information, see Token hashing.

Before working with InfluxDB 2.9, it’s helpful to learn a few key concepts. Browse the topics and videos below to learn more.

InfluxDB data elements

InfluxDB structures data using elements such as timestamps, field keys, field values, tags, etc.

InfluxDB data schema

InfluxDB uses a tabular data schema for displaying raw data in Data Explorer and for returning query results in annotated CSV syntax.

InfluxDB design principles

Principles and tradeoffs related to InfluxDB design.

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Support and feedback

Thank you for being part of our community! We welcome and encourage your feedback and bug reports for InfluxDB OSS v2 and this documentation. To find support, use the following resources:

Customers with an annual or support contract can contact InfluxData Support.

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InfluxDB OSS 2.9.0: API tokens are hashed by default

Stronger token security in InfluxDB OSS 2.9.0 — tokens are hashed on disk by default. Existing tokens are hashed on first startup and can’t be recovered afterward. Capture any plaintext tokens you still need before you upgrade.

View InfluxDB OSS 2.9.0 release notes

Hashed tokens authenticate exactly like unhashed tokens — clients and integrations keep working.

Also new in 2.9.0:

Configurable backup compression
Restore support for backups containing hashed tokens
Tighter Edge Data Replication queue validation
Flux upgrade
Compaction reliability improvements

Key enhancements in Explorer 1.8

Explorer 1.8 is now available with streaming data subscriptions (beta), line protocol preview, and query history & saved queries.

View Explorer 1.8 release notes

Explorer 1.8 includes new features and improvements that make it easier to ingest, explore, and manage data.

Highlights:

Streaming data subscriptions (beta): Stream data into Explorer from MQTT, Kafka, and AMQP sources.
Line protocol preview: Preview line protocol, schema, and parse errors before data is written.
Custom sample data: Generate custom sample datasets with line protocol and schema preview.
Query history and saved queries: Browse query history and save/re-run named queries.
Retention period management: Set, update, or clear retention periods on databases and tables.

For more details, see Explorer 1.8 release notes

InfluxDB 3.9: Performance upgrade preview

InfluxDB 3 Enterprise 3.9 includes a beta of major performance upgrades with faster single-series queries, wide-and-sparse table support, and more.

InfluxDB 3 Enterprise 3.9 includes a beta of major performance and feature updates.

Key improvements:

Faster single-series queries
Consistent resource usage
Wide-and-sparse table support
Automatic distinct value caches for reduced latency with metadata queries

Preview features are subject to breaking changes.

For more information, see:

Telegraf Enterprise now in public beta

Get early access to the Telegraf Controller and provide feedback to help shape the future of Telegraf Enterprise.

See the Blog Post

The upcoming Telegraf Enterprise offering is for organizations running Telegraf at scale and is comprised of two key components:

Telegraf Controller: A control plane (UI + API) that centralizes Telegraf configuration management and agent health visibility.
Telegraf Enterprise Support: Official support for Telegraf Controller and Telegraf plugins.

Join the Telegraf Enterprise beta to get early access to the Telegraf Controller and provide feedback to help shape the future of Telegraf Enterprise.

For more information:

Telegraf Controller v0.0.7-beta now available

Telegraf Controller v0.0.7-beta is now available with new features, improvements, bug fixes, and an important breaking change.

View the release notes
Download Telegraf Controller v0.0.7-beta

InfluxDB Docker latest tag changing to InfluxDB 3 Core

On May 27, 2026, the latest tag for InfluxDB Docker images will point to InfluxDB 3 Core. To avoid unexpected upgrades, use specific version tags in your Docker deployments.

If using Docker to install and run InfluxDB, the latest tag will point to InfluxDB 3 Core. To avoid unexpected upgrades, use specific version tags in your Docker deployments. For example, if using Docker to run InfluxDB v2, replace the latest version tag with a specific version tag in your Docker pull command–for example:

docker pull influxdb:2