Unstructured Logging

Unstructured logging is a method of recording application events and data in a free-form, human-readable text format without a predefined schema or structure. It typically involves writing log messages as plain text strings, often with timestamps and severity levels, making it easy for developers to read and debug but challenging for automated analysis. This approach contrasts with structured logging, which uses machine-readable formats like JSON.

Also known as: Text Logging, Plain Text Logs, Free-form Logging, Human-readable Logs, Traditional Logging

Why learn Unstructured Logging?

Developers should use unstructured logging for simple debugging, quick prototyping, or in legacy systems where human readability is prioritized over automated processing. It is suitable for small-scale applications or when logs are primarily reviewed manually, as it requires minimal setup and is straightforward to implement with basic logging libraries. However, it becomes inefficient for large-scale systems or when logs need to be aggregated, searched, or analyzed programmatically.

Learning Resources

• docs: Logging Best Practices - The Twelve-Factor App
• tutorial: Structured vs. Unstructured Logging - Loggly
• tutorial: Python Logging Tutorial - Real Python
• tutorial: Logging in Java - Baeldung
• course: The Art of Logging - Pluralsight Course