Basic File Logging vs Cloud Logging Services

Developers should learn basic file logging for debugging applications during development and troubleshooting in production, especially when more advanced logging systems are unavailable or overkill meets developers should use cloud logging services when building or operating applications in the cloud to gain visibility into system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance. Here's our take.

Basic File Logging

Nice Pick

Developers should learn basic file logging for debugging applications during development and troubleshooting in production, especially when more advanced logging systems are unavailable or overkill

Pros

• It's essential for small-scale projects, scripts, or embedded systems where lightweight logging suffices, and for creating audit trails in compliance scenarios
• Related to: structured-logging, log-levels

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Cloud Logging Services

Developers should use cloud logging services when building or operating applications in the cloud to gain visibility into system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance

Pros

• They are essential for distributed systems, microservices architectures, and DevOps practices, enabling proactive monitoring and debugging across multiple services and environments
• Related to: aws-cloudwatch, google-cloud-logging

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Basic File Logging is a concept while Cloud Logging Services is a platform. We picked Basic File Logging based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Basic File Logging wins

Based on overall popularity. Basic File Logging is more widely used, but Cloud Logging Services excels in its own space.