How can Zabbix monitor relational databases?

Zabbix can monitor relational databases effectively by utilizing custom SQL queries as well as pre-defined templates. This approach allows Zabbix to collect specific metrics that are crucial for assessing the performance and health of the database, such as the number of active connections, transaction rates, and query execution times.

Using pre-defined templates simplifies the initial setup process as these templates often include standard metrics that many database systems typically expose. Additionally, the flexibility to create custom SQL queries means that Zabbix can be tailored to the unique requirements and configurations of a particular database environment. This adaptability is crucial when monitoring complex systems where out-of-the-box solutions might not capture all necessary metrics.

The options that suggest monitoring through direct connections without queries or relying solely on third-party tools do not fully leverage Zabbix's capabilities in terms of customizability and direct data retrieval specific to database performance. Similarly, the notion that monitoring can occur only through native templates ignores the broader range of possibilities available to users.