What Is A Log File?

Written by Indicative Team

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Log File Defined

A log file is a file which keeps a registry of processes, messages, events and communication between various communication software applications and operating systems.

Simply, the role of a log file is to keep track of all events associated with a system or application  and if something should happen within a complex system, a business will have access to a detailed list of events that took place before the malfunction.

A log file can show the following events and data collected when a user visits a website:

  • IP Address and host name
  • Country or region of origin
  • Browser and operating system used
  • Type of search engine and search term entered
  • Duration and number of pages visited by the user
  • Page on which the user has left the website again

To ensure that processes, messages, events and communication between various communication software applications and operating systems are running smoothly, a log file analysis is completed. A log file analysis has the following benefits:

  • Automatic logging of crawlers
  • No JavaScript or cookies required
  • Realignment of historical data
  • Measuring of aborted downloads
  • Firewalls do not interfere with the protocol
  • Simple formatting

In Data Defined, we help make the complex world of data more accessible by explaining some of the most complex aspects of the field.

Click Here for more Data Defined.