Powerful logging frameworks, such as Log4J, exist on the market. They provide implementation for common logging concepts, such as logging levels, dynamic level switching, handling of multiple destinations. Many technical articles about configuring and using those tools have been written, but few give practical advice on how to write effective logs that contain useful information for the intended audience. The aim of this article is not to explain how to use a particular logging framework. Instead, we will try to bring attention to the purpose of logging and clarify what an effective log should contain, in the context of an enterprise application.
About Effective Logging (PDF, 275KB)