Examining Log Files

Logging is one of your most important troubleshooting tools. It is the process by which Enterprise Server captures data about events that occur during server operation. This data is recorded in a log file, and is usually the first source of information when Enterprise Server problems occur. The primary purpose of log files is to provide troubleshooting information.

By default, all Enterprise Server log information is captured in the server.log file, typically located in domain-dir/logs. Log Viewer is not available in Enterprise Server v3 Prelude. You cannot view the server's log file or configure logging using the Administration Console. To view log information, open the server.log file in a text editor. You can also use command-line file viewing commands such as tail, grep, or more. Logging is configured by editing the logging.properties file, located by default in the same directory as the domain.xml file, typically domain-dir/config.

Log levels such as SEVERE, WARNING, INFO, CONFIG, and others can be set to provide different types and amounts of information. Each Enterprise Server module has its own logger, and each logger has its own namespace. Log levels can be set globally for all loggers, or individually for module-specific loggers.

See Chapter 9, Administering Logging, in Sun GlassFish Enterprise Server v3 Prelude Administration Guide for complete details about logging. Also see the Sun GlassFish Enterprise Server v3 Prelude Release Notes for any known issues related to logging.