Essential Tips for Logging in Java

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The Java programming language has been around since the mid-90s. Since its inception, it has been one of the most popular programming languages on the market. This popularity is due in part to how versatile and easy to use this language is.

When developing a program using Java, you will need to focus on catching errors and fixing them immediately. If you are writing your code and uploading it to an application server during this development process, seeing how the code is reacting with the server is crucial. The best way to assess this is by looking at log files. Failing to log in to Java can create long-term problems for your app or software program.

The following are just some of the things you need to know about logging in to Java.

Choosing the Correct Logging Level is Crucial

The main concern you should have as you start logging in to Java is choosing the right level of logging. Logging too much can actually slow down your application or software program. The slower your program gets, the harder you will find it to keep consumers interested in what you are doing.

When logging in a production environment, you should use logging levels Finer or Finest. However, you need to avoid using Debug level logging while in production due to the speed issues it will present. As time goes by, you will be able to find the proverbial logging “sweet spot” for your program.

Avoid Logging Sensitive Information

Some newcomers to the world of Java development fail to realize just how much sensitive information their new program will collect from users. Finding ways to adequately protect this information is a must. This is why you need to avoid logging sensitive information at all costs. Things like user financial information and credential should always remain private and unlogged.

Featuring this information in a plain text file is a disaster waiting to happen. Oftentimes, this information will be processed by several un-secure servers and systems. The last thing you want is for this information to be compromised due to a lack of preparation. Deciding what to log in and what not to log is easy if you visit this website and look at the helpful information it has.

Cryptic Logging Messages Are Problematic

As you start parsing the log files you have created in Java, you need detailed information to figure out where problems exist. Getting this information can be nearly impossible if there is not enough detail located within the log file. Instead of having to deal with the aggravation and confusion cryptic log messages can cause, you need to work on choosing a more detailed layout.

The log messages should feature things like the qualified class name of the event in question, a timestamp, the thread name, and the log level. With this information, you can figure out where problems exist and how best to approach them to avoid further issues.

Using a Single Log File is a Bad Idea

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Looking at the log files from your application on a daily basis is important. However, you need to avoid using a single log file due to how difficult it can be to work with. Keeping all of the logs created by your application over a long period of time will lead to confusion and the risk of missing important information about how the app is performing.

The best way to avoid this problem is by creating a new log file on a daily basis. Not only will this make the information contained in this file easier to analyze, but it can also help you organize the logs created by your application.

Take Your Time When Developing a New Application

Being first to market with an app means nothing if it is glitchy and unreliable. This is why taking your time and testing the app adequately is crucial. The time and effort you put into reviewing log files and optimizing your application will be worth it.

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