title: DropWizard Metrics Meters vs Timers
body: <p>I am learning the <a href="https://dropwizard.github.io/metrics/3.1.0/" rel="noreferrer">DropWizard Metrics library</a> (formerly Coda Hale metrics) and I am confused as to when I should be using <code>Meters</code> vs <code>Timers</code>. According to the docs:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p><strong>Meter:</strong> A meter measures the rate at which a set of events occur</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>and:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p><strong>Timer:</strong> A timer is basically a histogram of the duration of a type of event and a meter of the rate of its occurrence</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Based on these definitions, I can't discern the difference between these. What's confusing me is that <code>Timer</code> is not used the way I would have expected it to be used. To me, <code>Timer</code> is just that: a timer; it should measure the time diff between a <code>start()</code> and <code>stop()</code>. But it appears that <code>Timers</code> also capture rates at which events occur, which feels like they are stepping on <code>Meters</code> toes.</p>
  
  <p>If I could see an example of what each component outputs that might help me understand when/where to use either of these.</p>