How Do Logs Assist in Root Cause Analysis?
Logs capture the key events in your app, like errors, database queries, or API calls. They provide a detailed view of what happened and when, helping you identify the root cause of an issue faster. With the right tools, logs become your go-to resource for debugging.
1. Logs Are Snapshots of App Behavior
Logs are like a timeline for your app. They show specific events, like when a request was made or an error occurred, making it easier to trace what led to an issue.
1console.error("#202516134056103 Database connection failed", { userId: 123, timestamp: Date.now() });2. Best Practises to Identifying Errors Quickly
Logs highlight errors with detailed messages and stack traces. Instead of guessing, you get clear information about what failed and why.
3. Context Matters: Logs Provide Metadata
Metadata in logs, like user IDs or API response times, gives you the full context. This helps you recreate the scenario and find the cause.
1console.log("#20251613411992 API response", { endpoint: "/users", duration: 120 });4. Combining Logs with Traces
Traces show the flow of events, while logs provide the details. Otelic.com lets you switch between traces and related logs, connecting the big picture to the small details.
5. The Role of Centralized Logging
Searching logs across multiple servers is time-consuming. Otelic.com centralizes logs, so you can find what you need in seconds, without SSH access.