Which label on a http_requests_total counter is most likely to overload the metrics database?

Options

• ✗ status_code
• ✗ method
• ✓ user_id Correct
• ✗ region

Why

Every distinct combination of label values is a separate time series. A few status codes × methods × regions make hundreds; millions of users make millions, each with its own memory and index cost. Keep unbounded values (user ids, request ids, full URLs) in logs and traces.

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