1. The Logstash pipeline has two required elements input and output, and an optional element, filter.
The input plugin consumes data from the data source
The filter plugin modifies data based on what you specify
The output plugin writes data to the target. e.g. files, elasticsearch, etc.
Second, let's test logstash and run the most basic logstash pipeline:
bin/logstash -e 'input { stdin { } } output { stdout {} }'
-e configure from command line
stdin Standard input
stdout Standard output
After starting Logstash, wait until you see "Pipeline main started",
Then type hello world at the command prompt and hit enter
see similar
2017-02-18T08:38:02.962Z CHR3PT7SLDRE4QB hello world prompt
timestamp + computer name (maybe IP too) + message
Exit Logstash by issuing the CTRL-D command in the shell where Logstash is running.
(I have been unable to get out of this place, and finally used CTRL c)