A Beginner’s Guide to Azure Logging

Logging is the recording of events that occur in a system. This includes routine operations, bugs, errors, password entries, and so on. It occurs in operating systems, applications, and other computer systems.

Azure logging specifically refers to capturing and storing log data generated by applications that run on the Azure platform. Azure is a cloud computing platform owned by Microsoft that the public can use to develop and manage their applications. It hosts and services applications that need cloud servers to run. Azure logging allows developers to gain insight into the behavior and performance of their applications. This insight has the following benefits:

1. Better app monitoring

Developers can monitor their Azure-based applications more effectively by observing the log data they generate. The data provides audit trails to spot errors and other irregularities so problems can be correctly diagnosed. It also aids Azure security efforts by recording entry attempts into the application.

2. Faster troubleshooting

Azure logging provides detailed information about all the application’s activities. The detailed log data will allow developers to quickly find the root cause of any issue they identify and take corrective measures to resolve it.

3. Improve app performance

Azure logging gives insight into app performance and behavior that helps developers optimize processes that will improve those metrics. The log data will show how long processes take to complete, prompting developers to make necessary adjustments.

Azure Logging Components

Several components need to work in tandem for Azure logging to work as intended, and they are:

1. Azure Monitor

Microsoft created this tool that collects and analyzes the data of applications running on the Azure platform. Developers use Azure Monitor to monitor their applications and diagnose problems when they arise. The tool has several features, like application insights, alerts, and performance monitoring.

2. Diagnostic Logs

It is a core component of Azure Logging. Diagnostic Logs capture application log data and save it in Azure Storage. Azure Storage is a secure cloud storage server operated by Microsoft.

3. Log Analytics

This is a tool developers can access on the Azure portal to edit, run, and analyze log queries saved in Azure Storage. Log Analytics has an interactive interface that allows developers to pull up records with specific criteria to gain insight into their application’s log data.

Azure Logging Best Practices

For developers to get the most benefits from their log data, here are some Azure logging best practices they should consider:

1. Define log data requirements

Before developers implement Azure logging, they should identify the type of log data they want to be collected, the log data analysis requirements, and its retention period.

2. Define the Log Data Format

Azure developers should establish a log data format for their applications. This makes their log data consistent on all applications and easy to query or analyze.

3. Practice Log Rotation

Log rotation helps Azure developers manage the log file sizes of their applications. Controlling the maximum size of each file makes it easy to analyze the log data and troubleshoot problems.

4. Use Diagnostic Logs

Using Diagnostic Logs to collect the log data generated by Azure-based applications will ensure they are stored in one location. Log analytics allows the log data to be easily queried and analyzed.

5. Use Log Analytics

Azure Log Analytics allows developers to query and log data stored in Azure Storage and visualize the results. It is more efficient than most available log analytics software.

Summary

Azure logging is essential to maintaining applications that run on the Azure platform. It allows for easy monitoring and diagnosis of problems that occur while running these applications. Developers can also use the log data generated by Azure Monitor to discover areas where their applications can be optimized.