What Is a Span Attribute?
A span attribute is a typed key-value pair that describes a specific operation captured by a span, like the HTTP method, response status, or database statement. Attributes are local to their span and do not propagate to other spans. They give a trace the detail needed to filter, group, and understand what each step actually did.
Why it matters
A bare span shows only timing and structure. Attributes add the context that lets you query traces by route, status, or operation and pinpoint where behavior diverged.
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