Log Levels
Log levels are a hierarchical classification system used in software logging to categorize log messages by their severity or importance, such as DEBUG, INFO, WARN, ERROR, and FATAL. They help developers filter, prioritize, and manage log output during development, testing, and production to aid in debugging, monitoring, and troubleshooting applications. This concept is implemented in various logging frameworks and libraries across different programming languages.
Developers should learn and use log levels to improve application observability and maintainability, as they enable efficient debugging by providing context-specific information without overwhelming logs. For example, use DEBUG for detailed development insights, INFO for general operational events, and ERROR for critical issues that require immediate attention in production environments. This helps in quickly identifying problems, reducing downtime, and enhancing system reliability.