--- title: 12 Logging Best Practices: Do's & Don'ts | daily.dev description: Learn about the best practices for effective logging in software development. Follow these tips to create a robust logging system that aids in debugging, improves system performance, and maintains data security. canonical: https://daily.dev/blog/12-logging-best-practices-dos-and-donts/ og:type: article og:url: https://daily.dev/blog/12-logging-best-practices-dos-and-donts/ og:title: 12 Logging Best Practices: Do's & Don'ts | daily.dev og:description: Learn about the best practices for effective logging in software development. Follow these tips to create a robust logging system that aids in debugging, improves system performance, and maintains data security. og:image: https://media.daily.dev/image/upload/s--I0dN8lFS--/f_auto,q_auto/v1/recruiter-landing/66a4a4623282b2a2dcf1a390_2446fa96db030c38d04b5c424cbf87c9_27b8564305?_a=BAMAMiB80 og:site_name: daily.dev og:locale: en_US article:published_time: 2024-07-27 article:modified_time: 2026-05-25T06:16:19.178Z article:author: Alex Carter twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:site: @dailydotdev twitter:creator: @dailydotdev twitter:title: 12 Logging Best Practices: Do's & Don'ts | daily.dev twitter:description: Learn about the best practices for effective logging in software development. Follow these tips to create a robust logging system that aids in debugging, improves system performance, and maintains data security. twitter:image: https://media.daily.dev/image/upload/s--I0dN8lFS--/f_auto,q_auto/v1/recruiter-landing/66a4a4623282b2a2dcf1a390_2446fa96db030c38d04b5c424cbf87c9_27b8564305?_a=BAMAMiB80 --- Here's a quick guide to effective logging in software development: 1. Define clear logging objectives 2. Use appropriate log levels 3. Implement structured logging 4. Write meaningful log messages 5. Centralize log management 6. Implement log rotation and retention policies 7. Don't log sensitive information 8. Don't ignore performance impact 9. Don't rely solely on logs for monitoring 10. Don't neglect log security 11. Don't log everything 12. Don't forget to review and maintain logs | Best Practice | Key Benefit | | --- | --- | | Clear objectives | Focused tracking | | Appropriate levels | Easy management | | Structured format | Better analysis | | Meaningful messages | Faster troubleshooting | | Centralized management | Unified oversight | | Rotation and retention | Efficient storage | | Avoid sensitive data | Enhanced security | | Consider performance | System efficiency | | Combine with monitoring | Comprehensive insights | | Secure logs | Data protection | | Selective logging | Relevant information | | Regular review | Ongoing improvement | These practices help create a robust logging system that aids in debugging, improves system performance, and maintains data security. ## Related video from YouTube ::: @iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/9L77QExPmI0 ## 1\. Do Define Clear Logging Objectives ### Objective Alignment Setting clear logging goals helps focus your efforts and makes sure you're tracking the right things. Without clear goals, you might log too much or too little, wasting time and missing key information. ### Log Level Usage When setting logging goals, think about which log levels to use. Log levels help sort messages by how important they are. Common levels are: | Log Level | Description | | --- | --- | | Debug | For detailed troubleshooting | | Info | General system information | | Warning | Potential issues that aren't errors | | Error | Problems that need attention | | Fatal | Serious issues that stop the system | Choose the levels that fit your needs and help you track what matters most. ### Structured Format Use a set format for your log messages. This makes them easier to read and analyze. Include things like: - Time the event happened - Log level - Message - Any other useful details A good format helps you find and use the information you need quickly. **Why Clear Logging Goals Matter** Clear logging goals help you: - Focus on what's important - Avoid logging too much or too little - Find and fix problems faster - Match your logging to your system's needs **How to Set Clear Logging Goals** 1\. Decide what you want to track and why 2. Pick which log levels you'll use 3. Choose a format for your log messages 4. Make sure your goals fit with what your system needs to do 5. Check and update your goals regularly to keep them useful ## 2\. Do Use Appropriate Log Levels ### Log Level Usage Picking the right log level helps sort log entries by how important they are. This makes it easier to find and fix problems. Here are the common log levels: | Log Level | What It Means | | --- | --- | | Fatal | Big problems that stop the system | | Error | Issues that hurt how things work | | Warn | Possible problems that might cause trouble | | Info | General details about the system | | Debug | Extra info to help fix issues | | Trace | Very detailed info for finding bugs | Using the right level helps you log the right amount of info and spot big problems quickly. ### Contextual Information Think about where you'll use the log when picking a level. For example: | Environment | What to Log | | --- | --- | | Production | Errors and warnings | | Development | Errors, warnings, and debug info | ### Best Practices for Log Levels Here's how to use log levels well: - Use **Fatal** for big problems that stop everything - Use **Error** for issues that break things - Use **Warn** for possible future problems - Use **Info** for general system updates - Use **Debug** for extra details when fixing issues - Use **Trace** for very detailed info when hunting bugs - Don't use too many levels - it makes sorting hard - Use the same levels throughout your app for clarity ## 3\. Do Implement Structured Logging ### Structured Format Structured logging organizes log data in a set format. It uses key-value pairs instead of plain text. This makes logs easier to read and analyze. ### Benefits of Structured Logging | Benefit | Description | | --- | --- | | Easy to read | Logs are clearer for humans to understand | | Better searching | Find specific log entries more quickly | | Works with tools | Many log analysis tools can use structured logs | | Helps fix problems | Includes useful info for debugging | ### Best Practices for Structured Logging To use structured logging well: 1\. **Pick one format**: Use the same format, like JSON, for all logs 2\. **Add helpful details**: Include things like time, error codes, and other useful info 3\. **Use standard labels**: Make labels and time formats the same across all logs 4\. **Keep it simple**: Don't use too many fields in your logs 5\. **Use a log tool**: Pick a tool that can handle and analyze your structured logs ### Structured vs. Unstructured Logging | Feature | Structured Logging | Unstructured Logging | | --- | --- | --- | | Format | Key-value pairs | Plain text | | Readability | Easy to read | Can be hard to understand | | Searching | Fast and accurate | Slower and less precise | | Tool compatibility | Works with many tools | Limited tool support | | Debugging | Provides clear context | May lack important details | ## 4\. Do Write Meaningful Log Messages ### Contextual Information Good log messages should include key details that help explain what happened. This makes it easier to understand and fix problems. Include things like: - Error codes - Important data related to the event - Time it happened - User or system IDs - What the system was doing Adding this info helps teams quickly find and fix issues. ### Matching Goals Write log messages that help with: - Keeping track of what the system does - Finding and fixing problems - Meeting security and rule requirements - Making the system work better Keep these goals in mind when writing log messages. ### Using Log Levels Write messages that fit the right log level: | Log Level | What to Include | | --- | --- | | Debug | Detailed info for fixing problems | | Info | General updates about the system | | Warn | Possible issues to watch out for | | Error | Big problems that need fixing | Using the right level helps get the right info to the right people. ### Organized Format Use a set format for log messages. This makes them easier to read and use. For example: `2022-07-27 14:30:00 ERROR [USER-123] User login failed: wrong password` This format shows: - When it happened - How serious it is - Who it affects - What went wrong ## 5\. Do Centralize Log Management Centralized log management helps collect and store logs from different sources in one place. This makes it easier to find and fix problems across your whole system. ### Why Use Centralized Log Management? | Benefit | Description | | --- | --- | | Easy monitoring | Watch all logs in one spot | | Quick problem-solving | Find issues faster across your system | | Better understanding | See patterns and trends more easily | | More control | Set up alerts and manage who sees logs | | Improved security | Keep logs safe and spot odd activity | ### How to Choose a Log Management Tool When picking a tool to manage your logs, think about: - Can it handle lots of logs? - Is it safe? - Is it easy to use? - Does it work with your other tools? - How much does it cost? Some popular tools are [ELK Stack](https://www.elastic.co/elastic-stack), [Splunk](https://www.splunk.com/), and [Sumo Logic](https://www.sumologic.com/). ### Steps to Set Up Centralized Log Management 1\. Pick a tool that fits your needs 2\. Set up log collection from all your sources 3\. Store logs in a central place 4\. Set up ways to search and analyze your logs 5\. Create alerts for important events 6\. Train your team to use the new system ## 6\. Do Implement Log Rotation and Retention Policies ### Rotation and Retention Log rotation and retention policies help manage logs better. Here's what they do: - Log rotation: Renames, compresses, or deletes old log files when they get too big or old. - Log retention: Sets how long to keep logs before deleting or storing them elsewhere. These policies help save space, keep systems running well, and follow rules about data storage. ### Benefits of Log Rotation and Retention | Benefit | How It Helps | | --- | --- | | Saves Space | Removes old logs so they don't fill up your storage | | Keeps Systems Fast | Stops log files from getting too big and slowing things down | | Follows Rules | Helps meet laws about how long to keep data | | Makes Log Management Easier | Keeps logs organized and easy to find | ### How to Do Log Rotation and Retention Well 1. **Make Clear Rules**: Decide how often to rotate logs and how long to keep them. 2. **Use Tools**: Set up software to rotate logs automatically. 3. **Keep Logs Safe**: Store logs where only the right people can see them. 4. **Check Your System**: Make sure your log rotation and retention are working right. ###### sbb-itb-bfaad5b ## 7\. Don't Log Sensitive Information ### Sensitive Data Handling When logging, avoid recording sensitive information like personal details, financial data, and health records. Logging this type of data can cause security problems and break rules. #### Why It's Bad to Log Sensitive Information Logging sensitive information can lead to: | Problem | Result | | --- | --- | | [Data leaks](https://app.daily.dev/tags/data-leak) | Money loss, bad reputation, legal issues | | Breaking rules | Not following laws like [GDPR](https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection_en), [HIPAA](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html), PCI-DSS | | Security risks | Unwanted access, data changes, identity theft | #### How to Handle Sensitive Information Safely To keep sensitive information out of logs: - Hide sensitive data (e.g., credit card numbers, passwords) - Use safe logging methods (e.g., encryption, access controls) - Only let certain people see sensitive information - Check logs often to make sure sensitive data isn't there Following these steps helps keep sensitive information safe and follows the rules. ### Good Things About Not Logging Sensitive Information Not logging sensitive information helps: - Keep data safer - Follow the rules - Lower the chance of problems ### Tools for Safe Logging Use these to log safely: | Tool | What It Does | | --- | --- | | Log management tools (e.g., Splunk, ELK) | Help manage logs safely | | Encryption | Protects sensitive information in logs | | Access controls | Limits who can see sensitive information in logs | These tools help you log safely and protect sensitive information. ### Wrap-up Logging sensitive information can cause big problems. By hiding sensitive data, using safe logging methods, and limiting access, you can keep information safe and follow the rules. Not logging sensitive information helps keep data safe, follow rules, and avoid problems. Using the right tools helps you log safely and protect sensitive information. ## 8\. Don't Ignore Performance Impact ### Performance Impact Logging can slow down your app if not done right. Poor logging can make your app run slowly, make it hard to fix problems, cost more, and create security risks. #### Why Performance Impact Matters Bad logging can hurt your app: | Problem | Result | | --- | --- | | Slow app | Users get upset, work less | | Hard to fix issues | App down longer, problems take more time to solve | | Higher costs | Waste money and resources | | Security risks | Data leaks, weak security | #### How to Log Without Slowing Things Down To log well and keep your app fast: - Use fast logging tools like [Chronicle Logger](https://github.com/OpenHFT/Chronicle-Logger) and [Log4j2](https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.12.x/) Memory Mapped File Appender - Check how logging affects speed, especially for debug or info logs - Use lazy logging to avoid extra work - Try async logging when you can - Don't log info that's hard to process - Use JSON directly to save time later These tips help you log without making your app slow. ### Tools to Help Log Faster Some tools can make logging faster: | Tool | What It Does | | --- | --- | | Log managers (Splunk, ELK) | Help handle logs quickly | | Speed checkers ([Callgrind](https://kcachegrind.sourceforge.net/) for C++) | Show how fast your logging is | | Async logging tools | Let you log without slowing down your app | | JSON tools | Help you use JSON right away | These tools can help you log without slowing down your app. ### Good Things About Fast Logging Logging without slowing things down helps: - Keep your app fast - Make users happy - Save money - Keep things safe When you log the right way, your app works better and costs less to run. ### Wrap-up Don't forget about how logging can slow things down. Use the right tools and methods to log without hurting your app's speed. This keeps your app running well and your users happy. ## 9\. Don't Rely Solely on Logs for Monitoring ### Monitoring Integration [Logging and monitoring](https://daily.dev/blog/logging-best-practices-for-developers) are different but work together. Logging keeps track of what happens in your system. Monitoring looks at this information to spot problems. Using only logs for monitoring can cause issues: - Logs can be long and hard to read - It's tough for people to check logs all the time - Big systems make too many logs to read Monitoring tools help by: - Looking at log data quickly - Finding problems faster - Showing how the system is doing ### Logs vs Monitoring | Aspect | Logs | Monitoring | | --- | --- | --- | | Purpose | Record events | Analyze system health | | Data handling | Stores raw data | Processes data for insights | | Real-time capability | Limited | Yes | | Ease of use | Can be complex | User-friendly dashboards | | Resource use | Can be high | Usually lower | ### Why Use Both Logs and Monitoring Using both logs and monitoring helps you: - Understand your system better - Find problems before they get big - Make your system work better ### How to Use Logs and Monitoring Together To use logs and monitoring well: 1. Use tools that can read and understand logs 2. Keep all your logs in one place 3. Use a simple format for logs (like JSON) 4. Set up alerts for important issues 5. Look at your logs often to see patterns ## 10\. Don't Neglect Log Security ### Security Measures Not protecting your logs can lead to data leaks and rule-breaking. It's important to keep your logs safe. #### Protecting Log Data To keep log data safe: - Use encryption for logs when they're moving and stored - Control who can see and change logs - Use safe ways to send logs, like TLS or SSL - Check who's looking at logs often to spot problems #### Log Storage Security When storing logs: - Use a safe place to keep them, like a log management tool or secure cloud storage - Encrypt stored logs and control who can access them - Make backups of logs to avoid losing data if something goes wrong #### Following Rules Depending on what you do and where you are, you might need to follow certain rules about log security. Here are some examples: | Rule | What It's For | | --- | --- | | [PCI DSS](https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/) | Payment card industry | | HIPAA | Healthcare | | GDPR | European Union data protection | | [CCPA](https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa) | California consumer data protection | Make sure you know which rules apply to you and follow them when keeping your logs safe. ### Wrap-up Not keeping logs safe can cause big problems like data leaks and breaking rules. By using things like encryption, controlling who can see logs, and storing them safely, you can protect your logs and follow the rules. Check who's looking at your logs often to make sure they're still safe. ## 11\. Don't Log Everything ### Log Selectivity Logging too much can make it hard to find important issues. It's best to log only what you need. This doesn't mean logging nothing, but choosing what's useful. ### Objective Alignment Before logging, know what you want to achieve. Are you trying to: - Fix bugs? - Check how well things work? - See what users do? Once you know your goals, you can decide what to log. ### Log Level Usage Use log levels to sort your logs by how important they are. This helps you focus on big problems. Here's a simple guide: | Log Level | What to Log | | --- | --- | | DEBUG | Details for fixing problems | | INFO | General updates about the system | | WARNING | Possible issues to watch | | ERROR | Big problems that need fixing now | | FATAL | Very bad errors that crash the system | ### Structured Format Use a set format for your logs. This makes them easier to read and use. You can: - Use JSON or XML - Use a tool that helps organize logs A set format helps you find important info quickly. ### Contextual Information Add details to your logs to help understand what happened. Include things like: - Who did it (user ID) - When it happened - Where it came from (IP address) - What device or browser was used This extra info helps figure out why things happened. ### Centralization Keep all your logs in one place. This makes them easier to manage. You can: - Use a tool to manage logs - Store logs in the cloud Keeping logs together helps you: - Collect logs from different places - Store them all in one spot - Look at log data easily - Set up alerts for problems ### Rotation and Retention Manage your logs well by: - Changing log files regularly (like daily or weekly) - Keeping logs for a set time (like 30 days or 1 year) - Making logs smaller to save space This helps you keep your logs organized and easy to use. ### Sensitive Data Handling Be careful with private info in logs: - Hide sensitive details (like passwords) - Use safe ways to send logs - Store logs in a safe place This keeps your logs safe and follows the rules. ### Performance Impact Think about how logging affects how fast your system works. Logging too much can slow things down. By choosing what to log carefully, you can keep your system running smoothly. ### Monitoring Integration Use your logs with your monitoring tools. This can help you: - Set up alerts for problems - See how your system is doing - Make better decisions about your system ### Security Measures Keep your logs safe: - Use safe ways to send logs - Store logs in a secure place - Control who can see the logs This keeps your logs safe and follows the rules. ### Regular Review Check your logs often: - Look at log data regularly - Make sure log data matches other info - Update how you log if needed Checking your logs helps make sure they're correct and useful. ## 12\. Don't Forget to Review and Maintain Logs ### Regular Review Checking logs often helps make sure they work well. When you look at logs regularly, you can: - Find and fix problems early - Make your system run better - Keep things safe by spotting possible threats - Improve how you handle logs ### Log Analysis and Monitoring Looking closely at logs and watching them is important. When you do this, you can: - See patterns in how your system works - Find odd things that might be unsafe - Make your system work better - Fix problems more easily ### Log Maintenance Taking care of logs is key. This means: - Changing old logs and keeping them for the right time - Updating how you handle logs when needed - Making sure log info is correct and complete - Backing up logs often ### How to Review and Maintain Logs Well To check and take care of logs the right way: | What to Do | Why It Helps | | --- | --- | | Check logs often | Find errors and safety issues | | Look for patterns | Understand how your system works | | Keep log info correct | Have good data to work with | | Change old logs | Save space and follow rules | | Update log plans | Keep up with new needs | ## Conclusion Good logging helps make software work better, find problems faster, and keep systems safe. By following the 12 logging tips in this article, developers can make their logging strong and useful. Using these tips helps solve common logging problems, like: - Handling lots of logs - Keeping logs safe - Dealing with different log types This makes it easier to: - Find and fix issues - See what users are doing - Make the system run better Logging is a key part of making software. It's important to do it right. These tips help make logging work well, run smoothly, and stay safe. Remember, logging isn't just about writing messages. It's about building a system that helps you: - Find problems - Make things run faster - Keep data safe | What to Do | How It Helps | | --- | --- | | Set clear logging goals | Make sure logging fits what you need | | Use the right log levels | Make logs easier to manage and use | | Use a set log format | Make logs easier to read and use | | Write clear log messages | Help find and fix problems faster | | Keep all logs in one place | Make logs easier to manage and use | | Set rules for log storage | Keep logs organized and stored right | | Don't log private info | Keep sensitive data safe | | Think about how logging affects speed | Make sure logging doesn't slow things down | | Use logs with other tools | Get a full picture of how things are working | | Keep logs safe | Stop people from seeing or changing logs who shouldn't | | Don't log everything | Focus on what's important | | Check and update logs often | Make sure logs are correct and useful | ## FAQs ### What should logging practices do? Good logging practices should: - Set clear goals for logging - Help with fixing problems - Keep track of system health - Follow rules and keep data safe ### How to log the right way? To log well: | Do This | Why It Helps | | --- | --- | | Set clear goals | Know what you're tracking | | Use log levels | Sort logs by importance | | Use a set format | Make logs easy to read | | Write clear messages | Find issues faster | | Keep logs in one place | Manage logs easily | ### How to log without slowing things down? 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