Setting Up Logging in Your Python Application: The Modern Way

TLDRLearn how to set up logging in your python application using the modern approach, including using a custom JSON formatter and having finer control over logs with filters.

Key insights

💡The built-in logging package in Python is outdated and has many issues, but it is still the standard for logging in Python.

💻Using dictConfig, you can configure logging in a more explicit and flexible way by defining filters, formatters, handlers, and loggers.

🚨Custom formatters allow you to output log records in different formats, such as JSON, for easier parsing and analysis.

📄Filters provide granular control over which log records are processed, allowing you to exclude or include specific messages based on your criteria.

🗸Separating the logging configuration into a JSON or YAML file allows for easier customization and maintenance, as well as sharing the configuration with others.

Q&A

Why should I use the built-in logging package in Python?

Despite its quirks, the built-in logging package is the de-facto standard for logging in Python, making it compatible with various platforms and libraries.

What is dictConfig and why should I use it?

dictConfig provides a more explicit and flexible way to configure logging in Python by allowing you to define filters, formatters, handlers, and loggers explicitly using a dictionary-based configuration.

What are the benefits of using a custom JSON formatter?

Using a custom JSON formatter allows you to output log records in JSON format, making them easier to parse and analyze using various tools and libraries.

How can I have finer control over logs in Python?

You can use filters in Python logging to selectively process log records based on your criteria, allowing you to include or exclude specific messages from being logged.

Can I customize the logging configuration in Python?

Yes, you can separate the logging configuration into a JSON or YAML file, which allows for easier customization and maintenance. This also enables sharing the configuration with others.

Timestamped Summary

00:15The built-in logging package in Python is outdated and has many issues, but it is still the standard for logging in Python.

02:32Using dictConfig, you can configure logging in a more explicit and flexible way by defining filters, formatters, handlers, and loggers.

13:31Custom formatters allow you to output log records in different formats, such as JSON, for easier parsing and analysis.

16:38Filters provide granular control over which log records are processed, allowing you to exclude or include specific messages based on your criteria.

09:57Separating the logging configuration into a JSON or YAML file allows for easier customization and maintenance, as well as sharing the configuration with others.