Why is the documentation so poor?

[CommunityUser]

Hi,

https://docs.appdynamics.com/display/PRO41/Enable+Thread+Correlation+for+Java

I was truly looking for how to enable the correlation for threads in Java. Instead I found out that Groovy classes can be intercepted, servlet calls are also intercepted and exit calls from threads are thread correlation is supported by default. Nevermind the fact that it is actually not true (it doesn't work when a connection is made to an external service using a thread pool) the word "enable" exists only twice on the page: in the index on the left and in the title of the article. What a great help for someone looking to learn more about AD. In general the docs for AD are, let's say, less than acceptable.

Can someone explain to me how do I actually do thread correlation in the case where a RestTemplate bean in Java is calling an external service? I can't seem to get it to work and it really drives me crazy after those 2 days of trying to solve it. Please help!!!

M.

[CommunityUser]

Hi Maciej,

I apologize that the experience with our documentation has been less than optimal. I've forwarded your email on to our documentation manager and will get back to you with an answer.

As it concerns your thread correlation issues, I recommend if you're really struggling that you reach out to our CS team for help. If they are able to solve the issue before I get back to you, please let us know what the resolution is.

Best,

Cody

Community Manager

[CommunityUser]

Hi Maciej, Let me echo Cody’s apology about your experience with the documentation. As the documentation manager, I understand the importance of useful, high quality documentation, and so I take your dissatisfaction very much to heart.

The page you link to discusses in-process thread correlation, whereas what I think what you are asking about is custom transaction correlation across tiers? Both are areas of the doc that we recognize as needing more attention in the near future. Your feedback raises the priority for this attention.  

For now, you may find a few articles on transaction correlation on the knowledge base to be helpful. See, for example, this topic for an overview:

https://community.appdynamics.com/t5/Knowledge-Base/Custom-Correlation/ta-p/18775

In particular, look for the example scenarios linked at the bottom of the page.

• In Process Correlation Across Queues
• Leveraging a Payload Property When the Read Method is Part of the Transaction
• Leveraging a Map Payload and Reading And Consuming are Separate
• Custom Correlation Using Validation

I think you’ve engaged AppDynamics support as well, so hopefully between those resources and with support's help, you'll get back on track soon.

Regards, 

Steve Hetland

Information Development Manager