Log4j

Log4J is a Java based API that provides a logging framework which is:

• Fast
• Reliable
• Flexible

The Apache software License provides the Log4J distribution. It has been also ported to following different languages:

• C++
• C
• C#
• Python
• Eiffel
• Ruby

Following are the core features and functionalities of Log4J Framework:

• It is configurable at runtime using files.
• It defines the log levels and priorities.
• It supports logging to following:

o File
o Database
o Unix Syslog
o Console

The Log4J Framework has following 3 major components:

1. Loggers: The logging information is collected by the loggers.
2. Appenders: They are responsible for publishing logs on the destinations as defined previously.
3. Layouts: They are used for log formatting.


Following are the advantages of logging:

• The software development considers the loggings as its integral part.
• It supports fast debugging and tracking of issues.
• It supports structured and maintainable information storage.

Following are the disadvantages of logging:

• Slow down the application processing in some cases.